1-31-11 Monday, 7:15 am Springfield, 39 degrees, cloudy, incoming winter storm.
Due to the state-wide winter storm advisory, the 3-day Ordained Ministry retreat in Columbia has been postponed. This would have been my first one. I now have the next three days without appointments or meetings, in which I can plan ahead, write, and recover from the intensity of the last month. The onset of a major winter storm always gives me a sense of excitement and adventure.
Isaiah 16
This chapter is a response to the previous chapter which is a lament for Moab. There are three parts: Verses 1-5 seems to be a plea to Judah from the Moabites (per Oswald), verses 6-12 reacts to that plea, and verses 13-14 dates theses happenings around 715-714, or in the upcoming three years.
Moab will be helpless even though presently she has abundance. Judah should not rely upon Moab, for one day Moab will come to Judah (and their Messiah). When a person, or a company, or a country is strong, it is hard to imagine a fall and decline. Arthur Anderson was a great accounting firm, and is no more. The Soviet Union (USSR) was mighty, and has disintegrated. In whom do you put your trust? In the Lord, strong and mighty, who will never weaken nor decline! Yes, I rely upon You most Holy Lord, not on nations nor people nor things.
I have been loaned a book entitled The Battle: Defeating the Enemies of Your Soul by Thomas Trask and Wayde Goodall. Julie and Rusty have known Trask, and this book addresses the theme I preached about the last two weeks. I will read the first chapter as I finish this time of devotion and contemplation. Thank you Lord for this day, and the week that stretches ahead.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
January 29, 2011
1-29-11 Saturday, 7:07 am Springfield, 31 degrees, clear.
Twenty-eight years ago Jan 29 was on a Saturday, and Audrey and I were in Omaha, Nebraska to get married. The service was performed by the Revs Bruce Laverman and Russ Rickert. The years have gone by rapidly, and it also seems like we have been married for a long time. My memories of not being married are similar to the memories of my youth – glimpses of incidents and people. I am thankful to be married to Audrey and to share this life together. She returned with the team from Honduras yesterday, arriving at Wesley around 4:00 pm.
Isaiah 15 – An oracle against Moab, set probably in 715-711 BC
In this chapter (continued in the next) Isaiah describes great destruction in Moab and a scene of refugees fleeing south. Moab is the region east of the Dead Sea, roughly 30 miles long and 30 miles wide. It is where Naomi and her family fled for relief from the famine in Israel, as described in the book of Ruth. Isaiah seems sympathetic to the plight of Moab, and does not have the glee expressed at the downfall of Assyria, Babylon or the Philistines.
Verse 7 : “Therefore the abundance which they have acquired and stored up they carry off over the brook of Arabim.” In his commentary, John Owalt reminds the readers that the 20th century saw more displaced people, refugees, than all previous centuries. This verse also reminds us that the human tendency is to acquire and store up so that we will never have unmet needs. The reality is that only in God can we find security, and trust in anything else is misplaced.
Guide me Holy Lord as I live this day trusting in you alone. I thank you that in this season of life there is a certain abundance, with food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. My hope is not in my house, or cupboard, car or IRA, but in you and your glorious promises. Just as the bird that I now hear singing relies daily on your provision, my hope is in you, and today I look to you for my needs, most Holy One. Just as in faith I said “I do” at the altar in Omaha 28 years ago, today I say YES to follow You for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or in health. I trust you in my marriage, in my parenting of adult children, in pastoring, and in reaching the unchurched for your kingdom.
Twenty-eight years ago Jan 29 was on a Saturday, and Audrey and I were in Omaha, Nebraska to get married. The service was performed by the Revs Bruce Laverman and Russ Rickert. The years have gone by rapidly, and it also seems like we have been married for a long time. My memories of not being married are similar to the memories of my youth – glimpses of incidents and people. I am thankful to be married to Audrey and to share this life together. She returned with the team from Honduras yesterday, arriving at Wesley around 4:00 pm.
Isaiah 15 – An oracle against Moab, set probably in 715-711 BC
In this chapter (continued in the next) Isaiah describes great destruction in Moab and a scene of refugees fleeing south. Moab is the region east of the Dead Sea, roughly 30 miles long and 30 miles wide. It is where Naomi and her family fled for relief from the famine in Israel, as described in the book of Ruth. Isaiah seems sympathetic to the plight of Moab, and does not have the glee expressed at the downfall of Assyria, Babylon or the Philistines.
Verse 7 : “Therefore the abundance which they have acquired and stored up they carry off over the brook of Arabim.” In his commentary, John Owalt reminds the readers that the 20th century saw more displaced people, refugees, than all previous centuries. This verse also reminds us that the human tendency is to acquire and store up so that we will never have unmet needs. The reality is that only in God can we find security, and trust in anything else is misplaced.
Guide me Holy Lord as I live this day trusting in you alone. I thank you that in this season of life there is a certain abundance, with food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. My hope is not in my house, or cupboard, car or IRA, but in you and your glorious promises. Just as the bird that I now hear singing relies daily on your provision, my hope is in you, and today I look to you for my needs, most Holy One. Just as in faith I said “I do” at the altar in Omaha 28 years ago, today I say YES to follow You for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or in health. I trust you in my marriage, in my parenting of adult children, in pastoring, and in reaching the unchurched for your kingdom.
Friday, January 28, 2011
January 28, 2011
1-28-11 Friday, 5:46 am Springfield, 31 degrees heading for a high of 58!
I had a good trip to Columbia yesterday, delivering a car to David, and meeting with a task force of the Annual Conference headed up by Karen Hayden to study the “culture of the call”. We discussed ways that we can develop in Missouri among United Methodists a seedbed of vocational calling to ministry. I am privileged to be the only gray haired person on this team, and my passion is to help raise the intentionality of how the church cultivates among its youth this call to pastoral ministry. In the evening we had the 9th session of our Wesley Pilot Leadership Experience, led by pastor Mi Hyeon.
Audrey and the team returning from Honduras got stuck in Houston last night. The customs process bogged down and they missed their flight to Kansas City. They will fly this morning, and arrive this afternoon at Wesley. I will write my sermon this morning, take some time off this evening and tomorrow.
Isaiah 14
This chapter looks to the day “when the Lord will have compassion on Jacob … and settle them in their own land.” Verses 4-21 are a taunt against the king of Babylon, and many scholars read verses 12-17 as referring to Satan and his rebellion, fall and punishment. This chapter provides hope for the people of God who are being punished by Assyria for their disregard of God, and with the promise that in the future God will restore. The concluding verse 32 states: “the Lord has founded Zion, and the afflicted of his people will seek refuge in it.”
The body of Jesus Christ, His church fills the role of the Old Testament Israel. “Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hades shall not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18) As I prepare for Sunday’s sermon, continuing the theme “Overcoming This Darkness” I will review the way the darkness settles in, and the equipment that God has provided His people, including the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) and the helmet of salvation.
As the dawn breaks through the darkness this morning, as the sun rises with the freshness and hope of a new day, as my seeds of herbs are sprouting in pots on top of the refrigerator, may my steps be ordered by you most Holy God, my preparation be inspired by your Spirit, my words be full of comfort and hope, and my decisions be for the building up of your body and the developing of your disciples as together we worship You, care for your sheep, and serve you in the world.
I had a good trip to Columbia yesterday, delivering a car to David, and meeting with a task force of the Annual Conference headed up by Karen Hayden to study the “culture of the call”. We discussed ways that we can develop in Missouri among United Methodists a seedbed of vocational calling to ministry. I am privileged to be the only gray haired person on this team, and my passion is to help raise the intentionality of how the church cultivates among its youth this call to pastoral ministry. In the evening we had the 9th session of our Wesley Pilot Leadership Experience, led by pastor Mi Hyeon.
Audrey and the team returning from Honduras got stuck in Houston last night. The customs process bogged down and they missed their flight to Kansas City. They will fly this morning, and arrive this afternoon at Wesley. I will write my sermon this morning, take some time off this evening and tomorrow.
Isaiah 14
This chapter looks to the day “when the Lord will have compassion on Jacob … and settle them in their own land.” Verses 4-21 are a taunt against the king of Babylon, and many scholars read verses 12-17 as referring to Satan and his rebellion, fall and punishment. This chapter provides hope for the people of God who are being punished by Assyria for their disregard of God, and with the promise that in the future God will restore. The concluding verse 32 states: “the Lord has founded Zion, and the afflicted of his people will seek refuge in it.”
The body of Jesus Christ, His church fills the role of the Old Testament Israel. “Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hades shall not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18) As I prepare for Sunday’s sermon, continuing the theme “Overcoming This Darkness” I will review the way the darkness settles in, and the equipment that God has provided His people, including the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) and the helmet of salvation.
As the dawn breaks through the darkness this morning, as the sun rises with the freshness and hope of a new day, as my seeds of herbs are sprouting in pots on top of the refrigerator, may my steps be ordered by you most Holy God, my preparation be inspired by your Spirit, my words be full of comfort and hope, and my decisions be for the building up of your body and the developing of your disciples as together we worship You, care for your sheep, and serve you in the world.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
January 26, 2011
1-26-11 Wednesday, 5:25 am Springfield 19 degrees, clear, calm.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These are the words of the doxology which I said as my feet hit the floor at 4:59. I read recently of someone with low blood pressure who was advised to say the doxology before standing up in the morning. This is a great way to start the day.
Isaiah 12
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” (Verse 2) I echo this statement of faith, just as Isaiah proclaimed that his trust and source of strength was God. This was in contrast to faithless Israel which was putting its hopes in neighboring countries and not alone in God. Today I will live out the truth that my strength and salvation comes from God, and nowhere else.
“Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” (verse 3) This reminds me of Jesus at the well in Samaria conversing with the woman at midday. He asked her for water, and implied that if she asked him he would give her living water so that she would never thirst again. I will be preaching on the passage from John at SunRise UMC in O'Fallon, commemorating the 20th anniversary on the first Sunday in March. As is true of my preaching style, I will apply this truth first to myself, joyously drawing water for my soul from the springs of salvation, rejoicing in God my Savior.
Commenting on the literary form of this chapter Oswalt says “The truths are made the more powerful because they are put in the lyrical language of worship rather than in mere discursive prose. In this way the hearer and the reader are no longer spectators or objects of instruction. Now they are participants involved on the emotional and volitional levels as well as the cognitive one.” I desire to be always a participant and not a spectator, and to lead the people of Wesley deeper into emotional and volitional participation in their faith journeys.
One of my all time favorite quotes is from Theodore Roosevelt’s speech given on April 23, 1910, sometimes titled “To the Man in the Arena”:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Guard me Lord from ever being a spectator, a cold and timid soul who knows neither victory nor defeat. May I live this day, trusting in You alone and advancing your kingdom in this generation.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These are the words of the doxology which I said as my feet hit the floor at 4:59. I read recently of someone with low blood pressure who was advised to say the doxology before standing up in the morning. This is a great way to start the day.
Isaiah 12
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” (Verse 2) I echo this statement of faith, just as Isaiah proclaimed that his trust and source of strength was God. This was in contrast to faithless Israel which was putting its hopes in neighboring countries and not alone in God. Today I will live out the truth that my strength and salvation comes from God, and nowhere else.
“Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” (verse 3) This reminds me of Jesus at the well in Samaria conversing with the woman at midday. He asked her for water, and implied that if she asked him he would give her living water so that she would never thirst again. I will be preaching on the passage from John at SunRise UMC in O'Fallon, commemorating the 20th anniversary on the first Sunday in March. As is true of my preaching style, I will apply this truth first to myself, joyously drawing water for my soul from the springs of salvation, rejoicing in God my Savior.
Commenting on the literary form of this chapter Oswalt says “The truths are made the more powerful because they are put in the lyrical language of worship rather than in mere discursive prose. In this way the hearer and the reader are no longer spectators or objects of instruction. Now they are participants involved on the emotional and volitional levels as well as the cognitive one.” I desire to be always a participant and not a spectator, and to lead the people of Wesley deeper into emotional and volitional participation in their faith journeys.
One of my all time favorite quotes is from Theodore Roosevelt’s speech given on April 23, 1910, sometimes titled “To the Man in the Arena”:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Guard me Lord from ever being a spectator, a cold and timid soul who knows neither victory nor defeat. May I live this day, trusting in You alone and advancing your kingdom in this generation.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
January 25, 2011
1-25-11 Tuesday, 7:04 am Springfield, 23 degrees, cloudy. (My mother would have been 85, having been born on this day in 1926.)
This is a busy week. Yesterday I chose to work during a significant portion of my day off in light of necessary events transpiring. Audrey and I mark our 28th anniversary this Saturday, and I have been keeping late Friday and Saturday clear so that we can celebrate. The weather will be warming up this week with no predicted precipitation, making commuting on the motorcycle possible! Tonight I give a talk at Thy Biggest Loser about my personal exercise approach. I will build upon some of my previous work on running and the Bible, and quote John Wesley, who was very fit.
Isaiah 11
What a pleasant on joy-filled surprise to begin reading this chapter! “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him….with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.” (verses 1-4)
I started reading this chapter dutifully, following my chapter a day from Isaiah routine. I was not aware that this prophecy about Jesus would be front and center. It struck me as a breath of fresh air, an announcement of good news, refreshing my soul. The Word of God is such a blessing and a source of light and hope. It is very good for me to be surprised by this chapter, and to remember the goodness of the news that Jesus is the righteous judge.
In verse 5 it states that “righteousness will be the belt about his loins, and faithfulness the belt about his waist.” In my message from Eph 6 I mentioned the belt of truth that is one of the 6 items of spiritual warfare with which to confront evil. Given how common it is to wear a belt, it makes a very useful metaphor. I wonder if it was common in Isaiah’s day to wear two belts, one about the loins, one about the wait?
Guide me today Lord as I prepare for all that you will bring my way. I desire to serve with your Spirit resting upon me, “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge” as I walk in “the fear of the Lord.” Today is a day of real opportunity in building your kingdom, and a day to stand strong against evil. Amen.
This is a busy week. Yesterday I chose to work during a significant portion of my day off in light of necessary events transpiring. Audrey and I mark our 28th anniversary this Saturday, and I have been keeping late Friday and Saturday clear so that we can celebrate. The weather will be warming up this week with no predicted precipitation, making commuting on the motorcycle possible! Tonight I give a talk at Thy Biggest Loser about my personal exercise approach. I will build upon some of my previous work on running and the Bible, and quote John Wesley, who was very fit.
Isaiah 11
What a pleasant on joy-filled surprise to begin reading this chapter! “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him….with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.” (verses 1-4)
I started reading this chapter dutifully, following my chapter a day from Isaiah routine. I was not aware that this prophecy about Jesus would be front and center. It struck me as a breath of fresh air, an announcement of good news, refreshing my soul. The Word of God is such a blessing and a source of light and hope. It is very good for me to be surprised by this chapter, and to remember the goodness of the news that Jesus is the righteous judge.
In verse 5 it states that “righteousness will be the belt about his loins, and faithfulness the belt about his waist.” In my message from Eph 6 I mentioned the belt of truth that is one of the 6 items of spiritual warfare with which to confront evil. Given how common it is to wear a belt, it makes a very useful metaphor. I wonder if it was common in Isaiah’s day to wear two belts, one about the loins, one about the wait?
Guide me today Lord as I prepare for all that you will bring my way. I desire to serve with your Spirit resting upon me, “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge” as I walk in “the fear of the Lord.” Today is a day of real opportunity in building your kingdom, and a day to stand strong against evil. Amen.
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, 2011
1-24-11 Monday, 7:10 am Springfield, 23 degrees, cloudy.
Yesterday was a good Sunday. The worship services went well, 2000 youth were in town for WOW, we had a good afternoon training session for Life Group leaders, and I was able to help a husband and wife who live on the edge of homelessness with some food and transportation. I enjoyed the Bears Packers playoff game, and have the Steelers Jets game recorded. I am avoiding the morning news so I can watch this AFC game today without knowing the outcome.
Isaiah 10
Assyria is being commissioned by God to punish unfaithful Israel. However, in this chapter it is foretold that Assyria and its leader(s) think too highly of themselves, as though through their own wisdom and strength they did this. Verse 15: “Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?” The end result will be that after the Lord has completed His work on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, He will “punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the pomp of his haughtiness” (verse 12).
Reading this chapter I am reminded that God is over all the nations. In my day this means the United States, Canada, Honduras, China, Russian, Mozambique, etc, etc. This is so easy to forget with the United Nations and strong governments in place. I take great comfort in knowing that God is in charge. He may punish certain nations, including the one in which I live for unrighteous behavior, and He remembers those who seek His face, no matter where they live.
Secondly, I am reminded that when a person is used by God it is so easy to slip into becoming deluded into thinking that success is all the result of brains, brawn, hard work and good luck. Leaders must always struggle with pride and haughtiness. This chapter is a great reminder to me to recognize that I am a servant of the most high God, currently pastoring a large church in Springfield, and empowered by His might, not my own. I desire to be an ever more fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ, who worships, cares and serves the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, wherever He calls and equips me to go.
Guide me today most Holy One as I serve you with joy on this day of sabbath rest and reflective recreation. Guide me as I prepare for the staff-parish meeting this evening and the stewardship of leadership of this congregation.
Yesterday was a good Sunday. The worship services went well, 2000 youth were in town for WOW, we had a good afternoon training session for Life Group leaders, and I was able to help a husband and wife who live on the edge of homelessness with some food and transportation. I enjoyed the Bears Packers playoff game, and have the Steelers Jets game recorded. I am avoiding the morning news so I can watch this AFC game today without knowing the outcome.
Isaiah 10
Assyria is being commissioned by God to punish unfaithful Israel. However, in this chapter it is foretold that Assyria and its leader(s) think too highly of themselves, as though through their own wisdom and strength they did this. Verse 15: “Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?” The end result will be that after the Lord has completed His work on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, He will “punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the pomp of his haughtiness” (verse 12).
Reading this chapter I am reminded that God is over all the nations. In my day this means the United States, Canada, Honduras, China, Russian, Mozambique, etc, etc. This is so easy to forget with the United Nations and strong governments in place. I take great comfort in knowing that God is in charge. He may punish certain nations, including the one in which I live for unrighteous behavior, and He remembers those who seek His face, no matter where they live.
Secondly, I am reminded that when a person is used by God it is so easy to slip into becoming deluded into thinking that success is all the result of brains, brawn, hard work and good luck. Leaders must always struggle with pride and haughtiness. This chapter is a great reminder to me to recognize that I am a servant of the most high God, currently pastoring a large church in Springfield, and empowered by His might, not my own. I desire to be an ever more fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ, who worships, cares and serves the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, wherever He calls and equips me to go.
Guide me today most Holy One as I serve you with joy on this day of sabbath rest and reflective recreation. Guide me as I prepare for the staff-parish meeting this evening and the stewardship of leadership of this congregation.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22, 2011
1-22-11 Saturday, 4:39 am Springfield, 23 degrees, clear, bright ¾ moon.
I have awakened early this morning, and am happy to be up and at 'um. I am making chicken stock from a left over whole baked chicken, and will make black bean soup today from a packet (women’s bean project) purchased last summer at a fair trade store. The team in Honduras led by Audrey seems to be on target as reported in her second email sent last night. I continue to pray for each one and the experience they are having. In their honor I am drinking strong (extra fuerte) Honduran coffee, purchased on a previous trip.
Isaiah 9
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. (verse 2) This familiar verse, common to the Advent theme, applies directly to my two-part message entitled “Overcoming This Darkness”. The key to overcoming the darkness for these people is found in verse 6: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Might God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Christ is the answer and the remedy for this present darkness. In my life Christ has been the source of light since I was 18. Last night I read a brief bio and description of Thomas Kelly and his Testament of Devotion (1941). In it he writes about the inner light and describes the process of seeking God, from the Quaker tradition. Earlier in the evening I attended a musical at Kickapoo HS featuring Aladdin and his lamp. This story from the Arabian Nights resonates with us as we all wish we could find a magic lamp from which a genie would emerge to grant our wishes.
The reality is that Christ is the light, and meets our needs by breaking the yoke of burdens and the rod of oppressors. The result is increase in gladness, glad in the presence of God. (verses 3,4) As I deliver this message on darkness, I must focus on the light and the gladness that comes with the presence of Christ.
Guide me Holy Lord today, as I fellowship with the United Methodist Men, meet with the family about their baptism, talk with a young adult just released from drug rehab, visit with our staff parish chair about upcoming opportunities, and continue preparing for the message tomorrow.
I have awakened early this morning, and am happy to be up and at 'um. I am making chicken stock from a left over whole baked chicken, and will make black bean soup today from a packet (women’s bean project) purchased last summer at a fair trade store. The team in Honduras led by Audrey seems to be on target as reported in her second email sent last night. I continue to pray for each one and the experience they are having. In their honor I am drinking strong (extra fuerte) Honduran coffee, purchased on a previous trip.
Isaiah 9
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. (verse 2) This familiar verse, common to the Advent theme, applies directly to my two-part message entitled “Overcoming This Darkness”. The key to overcoming the darkness for these people is found in verse 6: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Might God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Christ is the answer and the remedy for this present darkness. In my life Christ has been the source of light since I was 18. Last night I read a brief bio and description of Thomas Kelly and his Testament of Devotion (1941). In it he writes about the inner light and describes the process of seeking God, from the Quaker tradition. Earlier in the evening I attended a musical at Kickapoo HS featuring Aladdin and his lamp. This story from the Arabian Nights resonates with us as we all wish we could find a magic lamp from which a genie would emerge to grant our wishes.
The reality is that Christ is the light, and meets our needs by breaking the yoke of burdens and the rod of oppressors. The result is increase in gladness, glad in the presence of God. (verses 3,4) As I deliver this message on darkness, I must focus on the light and the gladness that comes with the presence of Christ.
Guide me Holy Lord today, as I fellowship with the United Methodist Men, meet with the family about their baptism, talk with a young adult just released from drug rehab, visit with our staff parish chair about upcoming opportunities, and continue preparing for the message tomorrow.
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