5-31-11 Tuesday, 6:06 am Springfield, 73 degrees, partly cloudy
Yesterday was a good Memorial Day. It was David and Danelle’s (my son and daughter-in-law) second anniversary, and they attended the Cardinal game in St. Louis. I rode the Kawasaki to the Wilson Creek National Battlefield where I have an annual membership. I changed into running clothes and ran the five-mile loop (with more walking than usual). Two trips to the grocery store and I got all we needed to barbeque burgers. I was able to work in the garden (at last!), and got the final tomato plants in the ground (raised from seeds since February) and sowed some more okra and a hill of squash. Even for a small garden plot, there is a lot of work to keep it weeded and tended.
As I was thinking about the garden, I was reflecting upon the church. There is some planting that does not take off, there are some conditions that are not favorable, and then suddenly become fruitful. One of the main requirements for pastors and leaders is constant attention and care. The same is true in one’s family. The natural processes of plowing, planting, cultivating, tending that the garden requires are instructive for servant leadership in the body of Christ.
II Sam 17
David and his fighting men have left Jerusalem as Absalom has seized the throne. Absalom is advised by Ahithophel to send 12,000 troops immediately (tonight) to seize and kill David while he is bone tired. David’s secret ally Hushai gives Absalom different advice, to take the whole army after David (which will take longer). Hushai then sends word to David of what the two sets of advice are that were given to Absalom. David spends the night moving his forces further away from Jerusalem, across the Jordan river. When Ahithophel realized his advice was not followed, he went home, put his house in order, and took his own life. When David arrived at Mahanaim, three leaders provided food and bedding for him and his army, realizing they were famished and weary.
During periods of revolt and rebellion, it must be very difficult to chart the right course. Who do you support, and what risks do you take with your own safety when mighty forces are at odds? This is the spiritual reality today. The forces of good and evil are at war, and each person has a daily choice of how to be involved. The key is to know right from wrong, and to know which force will prevail. The scriptures teach us that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light, and He will overcome in the end. I am privileged to serve Jesus today with everything I have, and to lead others to do the same.
Guide my steps on this last day of May, most holy, powerful Lord.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
May 30, 2011
5-30-11 Monday, Memorial Day, 7:00 am Springfield, 72 degrees.
It is a beautiful morning on this unofficial start of summer. Winds will be gusty from the south at 20-30 mph. I will exercise, work in the garden, go for a ride, etc. After today, this will be a busy week with Annual Conference coming to town. I am finishing my fourth year at Wesley, and rolling strongly into year five. Yesterday I challenged the congregation to live with God as the One who will remember. As usual, I was preaching to myself, and am so ordering my life day by day.
II Sam 15 -16
King David flees Jerusalem on foot as his son Absalom gains support for his insurrection. Loyalties and deceptions abound. This was one of the lowest points in David’s life. Eventually God will restore to him the kingdom, but as he flees the capital city it is not obvious that he will ever return.
In every person’s life there are high points and low points. What I take away from these chapters is that even in the lowest and darkest parts of life, God is still present, and it is critical to keep moving forward, discerning next steps, trusting reliable friends, and planning the best course of action.
Guide me steps today, most holy Lord as I travel through this part of my life, trusting in you and desiring to please you in every way. In my life, be glorified today.
It is a beautiful morning on this unofficial start of summer. Winds will be gusty from the south at 20-30 mph. I will exercise, work in the garden, go for a ride, etc. After today, this will be a busy week with Annual Conference coming to town. I am finishing my fourth year at Wesley, and rolling strongly into year five. Yesterday I challenged the congregation to live with God as the One who will remember. As usual, I was preaching to myself, and am so ordering my life day by day.
II Sam 15 -16
King David flees Jerusalem on foot as his son Absalom gains support for his insurrection. Loyalties and deceptions abound. This was one of the lowest points in David’s life. Eventually God will restore to him the kingdom, but as he flees the capital city it is not obvious that he will ever return.
In every person’s life there are high points and low points. What I take away from these chapters is that even in the lowest and darkest parts of life, God is still present, and it is critical to keep moving forward, discerning next steps, trusting reliable friends, and planning the best course of action.
Guide me steps today, most holy Lord as I travel through this part of my life, trusting in you and desiring to please you in every way. In my life, be glorified today.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
May 29, 2011
5-29-11 Memorial Day Sunday, 5:27 am Springfield, 72 degrees, clear.
My theme this morning is the question “Who will remember you and for what?” My desire is to be remembered by God for being faithful, for loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and for loving my neighbor as myself. This morning I have the privilege in four worship services to speak to worshippers, encouraging them to aim to be remembered by God.
Yesterday I worked on this message, ran 5 miles, made two hospital visits and one nursing home visit. I cooked dinner and then worked some more on my sermon. Today after church our calendar is open, as there are no meetings scheduled for this holiday weekend. Bethany continues to make steady progress as she heals from her foot surgery. Audrey has been caring for her round the clock for these two weeks.
John 14:15-21
Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him they will keep his commandments. And he will ask the Father to give them another Advocate to be with them forever. This is the Spirit of truth, (the Holy Spirit) whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and will be in you.
Today, most Holy Lord, I desire to live and speak and minister in the power of your Holy Spirit. Not my will, but your will be done. My desire is to please you and to lead people to follow you as fruitful disciples. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable unto you, my rock and redeemer. Amen.
My theme this morning is the question “Who will remember you and for what?” My desire is to be remembered by God for being faithful, for loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and for loving my neighbor as myself. This morning I have the privilege in four worship services to speak to worshippers, encouraging them to aim to be remembered by God.
Yesterday I worked on this message, ran 5 miles, made two hospital visits and one nursing home visit. I cooked dinner and then worked some more on my sermon. Today after church our calendar is open, as there are no meetings scheduled for this holiday weekend. Bethany continues to make steady progress as she heals from her foot surgery. Audrey has been caring for her round the clock for these two weeks.
John 14:15-21
Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him they will keep his commandments. And he will ask the Father to give them another Advocate to be with them forever. This is the Spirit of truth, (the Holy Spirit) whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and will be in you.
Today, most Holy Lord, I desire to live and speak and minister in the power of your Holy Spirit. Not my will, but your will be done. My desire is to please you and to lead people to follow you as fruitful disciples. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable unto you, my rock and redeemer. Amen.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May 28, 2011
5-28-11 Saturday, 9:16 am Springfield, 64 degrees.
II Samuel 13 – the tragic account of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom.
A key verse in this tragedy is verse 21. David hears about Amnon’s rape of Tamar, but will not punish Amnon, because he loves him and he is his firstborn. I wonder how much David’s sin with Bathsheba also figured in to his unwillingness to punish Amnon. Absalom eventually murders Amnon, and the violence in David’s family escalates as was prophesied.
Life is complex with unexpected twists and turns. Tomorrow I will be preaching on the topic “How will you be remembered?” and using John 14:15-21 as the text. In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples that keeping his commandments is evidence of their love for him, and he will ask the Father to send the Advocate, the Spirit of truth to be with them forever. My point will be to encourage hearers to obey Jesus’ commandments, and to be open and responsive to his Holy Spirit.
Jesus, today I will be obedient to your commandments of love demonstrated toward God and toward people. Guard me from selfishness, lead me in your paths, guide me with your Spirit through this 28th day of May, 2011.
II Samuel 13 – the tragic account of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom.
A key verse in this tragedy is verse 21. David hears about Amnon’s rape of Tamar, but will not punish Amnon, because he loves him and he is his firstborn. I wonder how much David’s sin with Bathsheba also figured in to his unwillingness to punish Amnon. Absalom eventually murders Amnon, and the violence in David’s family escalates as was prophesied.
Life is complex with unexpected twists and turns. Tomorrow I will be preaching on the topic “How will you be remembered?” and using John 14:15-21 as the text. In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples that keeping his commandments is evidence of their love for him, and he will ask the Father to send the Advocate, the Spirit of truth to be with them forever. My point will be to encourage hearers to obey Jesus’ commandments, and to be open and responsive to his Holy Spirit.
Jesus, today I will be obedient to your commandments of love demonstrated toward God and toward people. Guard me from selfishness, lead me in your paths, guide me with your Spirit through this 28th day of May, 2011.
Friday, May 27, 2011
May 27, 2011
5-27-11 Friday, 6:56 am Springfield, 51 degrees, partly sunny
Yesterday I discovered that the five baby bluebirds had all died in the birdhouse, and sparrows had overlaid their nest and dead bodies with more nesting material. I surmise that the sparrows might have killed the baby bluebirds, or they died from other causes. I removed the rotting nest, and found three sparrow eggs, which I placed in the other sparrow nest in my yard. Surprise! I hope the other sparrows hatch the eggs mysteriously appearing in their nest.
Life is full of surprises, disappointments, and opportunities. I hope to be open daily to all that God brings into my life, with thorough preparation and total surrender to His will. My goal is to maintain healthy practices in my personal life (exercise, diet, rest, finances, and relationships) and in the corporate life of the church. Reading the accounts of David in II Samuel remind me of how easily a person can get out of balance.
II Sam 12
Nathan the prophet is sent to David with a parable, of a rich man who had many flocks, and a poor man who had one ewe lamb. Upon receiving a visitor, the rich man was unwilling to take from his own flock or herd; rather he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the traveler. This injustice enraged David who demanded the rich man’s life. Nathan the prophet said to David “you are the man”.
God’s message through Nathan to David was: “It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these!” (12:8)
God’s question to David was: “Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to by your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.” (12:9)
Every believer, every leader must pay careful attention to the word of the Lord. “It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (II Tim 3:16-17) My intention is to hold my actions accountable to God’s word, and also to others in covenant relationship so that I might not sin against God. David’s sin came close to ruining his life, and had long-term consequences within his family, and beyond. Guide and guard my steps, most holy Lord, today and every day as I walk with you in the light of your Word.
Yesterday I discovered that the five baby bluebirds had all died in the birdhouse, and sparrows had overlaid their nest and dead bodies with more nesting material. I surmise that the sparrows might have killed the baby bluebirds, or they died from other causes. I removed the rotting nest, and found three sparrow eggs, which I placed in the other sparrow nest in my yard. Surprise! I hope the other sparrows hatch the eggs mysteriously appearing in their nest.
Life is full of surprises, disappointments, and opportunities. I hope to be open daily to all that God brings into my life, with thorough preparation and total surrender to His will. My goal is to maintain healthy practices in my personal life (exercise, diet, rest, finances, and relationships) and in the corporate life of the church. Reading the accounts of David in II Samuel remind me of how easily a person can get out of balance.
II Sam 12
Nathan the prophet is sent to David with a parable, of a rich man who had many flocks, and a poor man who had one ewe lamb. Upon receiving a visitor, the rich man was unwilling to take from his own flock or herd; rather he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the traveler. This injustice enraged David who demanded the rich man’s life. Nathan the prophet said to David “you are the man”.
God’s message through Nathan to David was: “It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these!” (12:8)
God’s question to David was: “Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to by your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.” (12:9)
Every believer, every leader must pay careful attention to the word of the Lord. “It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (II Tim 3:16-17) My intention is to hold my actions accountable to God’s word, and also to others in covenant relationship so that I might not sin against God. David’s sin came close to ruining his life, and had long-term consequences within his family, and beyond. Guide and guard my steps, most holy Lord, today and every day as I walk with you in the light of your Word.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
May 26, 2011
5-26-11 Thursday, 6:44 am Springfield, 53 degrees, cloudy, rain impending.
Yesterday was a long and strenuous day. From the morning prayer circle, to worship planning, to the pastors’ meeting, a delightful visit with a missionary to India, telephone conversations, computer difficulties as I worked on getting information to Missouri Asbury Seminary Alumni, conversations with a person about becoming a pastor, WOW appreciation dinner and finishing with part 2 of the new member class in which I taught the portions on spiritual formation around scripture and tithing.
Today I will lead the 18th peer mentor group (minus our pastor in Joplin) as we conclude a long process of supporting each other through the Healthy Church Initiative. Tonight I will meet with a couple to discuss their wedding in Spring of 2012. I love being a pastor, being involved in such a wide variety of areas of ministry and encouraging people in their spiritual growth.
These precious moments in the morning are my opportunity to be quiet and reflect upon God’s word, to be still and know that God is God. Even as I will watch the news of local and world events, and as I listen to the birds and watch the sky grow dark with rainclouds, I am open to all that the Holy Spirit will speak to me as I wait upon the Lord here in my family room.
2 Sam 9-11
Chapter 9 contains the details of David’s desire to honor an heir of Saul and Jonathon. He discovers that Jonathon’s son Mephibosheth and gives him the land formerly belonging to Saul, along with a place at David’s table, almost equal to David’s sons.
Chapter 10 opens with the death of the king of Ammon, and Hanun his son becoming king. David desired to show kindness to Hanun as his father had done to David. However, when David’s men arrived in the land of the Ammonites, their motives were interpreted as spying, and they were mocked with their garments sliced and their beards half shaven. This enraged David, and he sent Joab and all the army out to fight. The Ammonites hired the Arameans to join them in the fight.
Chapter 11 involves the tragic tale of David and Bathsheba. It begins with the setting: “In the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab ... But David stayed at Jerusalem.” There are so many lessons to be learned from this chapter and applied to the lives of spiritual leaders today.
My verse for meditation today is 10:12 in which the commander, Joab tells his army:
“Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” Today, as a pastor, I desire to be strong, to show myself courageous, and to witness how the Lord will do what is good in His sight. Guide my steps most Holy One as I serve you alone, following the path you have set my feet upon. Guard me from sin and help me to strive with every ounce of energy to please you.
Yesterday was a long and strenuous day. From the morning prayer circle, to worship planning, to the pastors’ meeting, a delightful visit with a missionary to India, telephone conversations, computer difficulties as I worked on getting information to Missouri Asbury Seminary Alumni, conversations with a person about becoming a pastor, WOW appreciation dinner and finishing with part 2 of the new member class in which I taught the portions on spiritual formation around scripture and tithing.
Today I will lead the 18th peer mentor group (minus our pastor in Joplin) as we conclude a long process of supporting each other through the Healthy Church Initiative. Tonight I will meet with a couple to discuss their wedding in Spring of 2012. I love being a pastor, being involved in such a wide variety of areas of ministry and encouraging people in their spiritual growth.
These precious moments in the morning are my opportunity to be quiet and reflect upon God’s word, to be still and know that God is God. Even as I will watch the news of local and world events, and as I listen to the birds and watch the sky grow dark with rainclouds, I am open to all that the Holy Spirit will speak to me as I wait upon the Lord here in my family room.
2 Sam 9-11
Chapter 9 contains the details of David’s desire to honor an heir of Saul and Jonathon. He discovers that Jonathon’s son Mephibosheth and gives him the land formerly belonging to Saul, along with a place at David’s table, almost equal to David’s sons.
Chapter 10 opens with the death of the king of Ammon, and Hanun his son becoming king. David desired to show kindness to Hanun as his father had done to David. However, when David’s men arrived in the land of the Ammonites, their motives were interpreted as spying, and they were mocked with their garments sliced and their beards half shaven. This enraged David, and he sent Joab and all the army out to fight. The Ammonites hired the Arameans to join them in the fight.
Chapter 11 involves the tragic tale of David and Bathsheba. It begins with the setting: “In the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab ... But David stayed at Jerusalem.” There are so many lessons to be learned from this chapter and applied to the lives of spiritual leaders today.
My verse for meditation today is 10:12 in which the commander, Joab tells his army:
“Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” Today, as a pastor, I desire to be strong, to show myself courageous, and to witness how the Lord will do what is good in His sight. Guide my steps most Holy One as I serve you alone, following the path you have set my feet upon. Guard me from sin and help me to strive with every ounce of energy to please you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 25, 2011
5-25-11 Wednesday, 7:17 am Springfield, 68 degrees, cloudy
My motorcycle trip up and back to Columbia went well yesterday. Only 4 pastors showed for the meeting with the bishop, but it was rich and fruitful as we talked through the book Switch and consulted about each of our local church situations. In some ways I feel almost overwhelmed with all the work that lies ahead for me. I recognize this feeling, and it seems to be repeated each May. The Asbury Seminary lunch is one of many planning/promoting events that I still have much work to do.
II Sam 7
David “was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him.” He ponders building a temple for the ark of the covenant, and Nathan the prophet tells him to go ahead. But that night God spoke to Nathan with a message for David – that he was not to build a temple, but that God would establish David’s offspring to succeed him. “He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (verse 13) Solomon would be the son of David who would build the great temple, and Jesus, born several hundred years after David would be of the house and lineage of David, and will reign forever.
This Sunday is Memorial Day weekend, and I will be preaching about leaving a legacy, just how will we be remembered. This 7th chapter of II Samuel clearly is a legacy chapter, and could be the text I use for the message. Many people are remembered by their heirs, many by the buildings they built or the causes they support. The Noble peace award was established by one who made a fortune with explosives. The legacy of so many is tainted with their sins – Maddoff, Jesse Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Edwards (whose wife just died of cancer) to name a few. This is an important topic for each of use to carefully consider.
Today is a gift from you, most holy Lord. I desire to live it to the fullest, according to your will for my life. Guide me in all I do, plan, think, and respond. I am yours today and forever. May my legacy be of obedience and fruitfulness as your servant.
My motorcycle trip up and back to Columbia went well yesterday. Only 4 pastors showed for the meeting with the bishop, but it was rich and fruitful as we talked through the book Switch and consulted about each of our local church situations. In some ways I feel almost overwhelmed with all the work that lies ahead for me. I recognize this feeling, and it seems to be repeated each May. The Asbury Seminary lunch is one of many planning/promoting events that I still have much work to do.
II Sam 7
David “was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him.” He ponders building a temple for the ark of the covenant, and Nathan the prophet tells him to go ahead. But that night God spoke to Nathan with a message for David – that he was not to build a temple, but that God would establish David’s offspring to succeed him. “He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (verse 13) Solomon would be the son of David who would build the great temple, and Jesus, born several hundred years after David would be of the house and lineage of David, and will reign forever.
This Sunday is Memorial Day weekend, and I will be preaching about leaving a legacy, just how will we be remembered. This 7th chapter of II Samuel clearly is a legacy chapter, and could be the text I use for the message. Many people are remembered by their heirs, many by the buildings they built or the causes they support. The Noble peace award was established by one who made a fortune with explosives. The legacy of so many is tainted with their sins – Maddoff, Jesse Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Edwards (whose wife just died of cancer) to name a few. This is an important topic for each of use to carefully consider.
Today is a gift from you, most holy Lord. I desire to live it to the fullest, according to your will for my life. Guide me in all I do, plan, think, and respond. I am yours today and forever. May my legacy be of obedience and fruitfulness as your servant.
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