8-30-11 Tuesday, 6:53 am Springfield, 72 degrees
2 Corinthians 4 (today’s scripture from the One Year Bible)
“Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.” (Verse 1) Paul faced opposition from many directions. There were those in the church who denied his authority and questioned his motives. All who are “engaged in this ministry” will face opposition from within the body of Christ, and from beyond. As I continue to read and digest the biography of Bonhoeffer, I have a new appreciation for the frustrations he encountered even within the confessing church as he could see things about the current culture that others could not.
Pastors “losing heart” is almost an epidemic these days. I think that there are many reasons that this is true, including the general tendency in American culture to be vocally unhappy with leaders – of government, industry, and education. My inclination is to lean into adversity, if it is the weather, or relationships, or the church. In verse 2 Paul states that he has “renounced the shameful things that one hides”. I have discovered that integrity and authenticity are critical to healthy servant leadership. Especially as people snip at pastors on issues such as music and food or anything else in which they are displeased it is critical to stand with Paul and not lose heart.
Verse 7 states that “we have this treasure (the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ) in clay jars…” Paul’s goal was to allow the glory of God to shine through his own humanity as light coming out of a cracked pot. It is likewise important for me to allow the glory of God to shine through my life, every dimension of it. In the apostle Peter’s first general letter to the church he comments on the various trials that believers endure, and he observes that “the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Lord, I am your clay vessel. Cause your light to shine through me today as I serve you through the church. May all my actions, words, decisions, plans and responses be used to advance your kingdom on this last Tuesday in August, here in the Ozarks, in the life of this 55 year-old pastor.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
August 29, 2011
8-29-11 Monday, 4:58 am Springfield, 73 degrees, clear
On this my sabbath I am up early without an alarm nor an appointment, and I just might ride the Concours to Cassville and fish Roaring River. This afternoon we plan to work around the house. This coming weekend we will spend with David and Danelle and help them around their newly purchased house. Having bought it “as is”, there seems to be much work to be done inside and outside before they move in.
It is so easy for me to just sit and vegetate. I have two cats who do this all the time! When I consider the lives of Wesley, Merton, Peterson, Bonhoeffer I am motivated to diligently apply myself every moment. I also recognize the need for pace, recovery, and rest. The key I believe is wise focus, intensity, and direction.
2 Corinthians 3
Paul describes the glory that shone through Moses when he brought the commandments to the people, so that his face had to be covered with a veil, and he states that “how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory” (verse 9). Paul concludes “Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness … where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is great freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another;”
“In the midst of life we are in death.” So begins the liturgy for the graveside service of committal. In the midst of life … we see the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror. The common, unglorified daily life is so prevalent that it is good for me to be reminded of the reality of “the glory of the Lord.” Today for me I expect the glory of my precious Lord to be evidenced in quiet, ordinary ways. Today might be the day I enter into his glory in a new and different way. And in the ordinariness of this Monday in the Ozarks I can anticipate to walk with Him and experience His goodness without the veil, and as I am transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (verse 18).
On this my sabbath I am up early without an alarm nor an appointment, and I just might ride the Concours to Cassville and fish Roaring River. This afternoon we plan to work around the house. This coming weekend we will spend with David and Danelle and help them around their newly purchased house. Having bought it “as is”, there seems to be much work to be done inside and outside before they move in.
It is so easy for me to just sit and vegetate. I have two cats who do this all the time! When I consider the lives of Wesley, Merton, Peterson, Bonhoeffer I am motivated to diligently apply myself every moment. I also recognize the need for pace, recovery, and rest. The key I believe is wise focus, intensity, and direction.
2 Corinthians 3
Paul describes the glory that shone through Moses when he brought the commandments to the people, so that his face had to be covered with a veil, and he states that “how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory” (verse 9). Paul concludes “Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness … where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is great freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another;”
“In the midst of life we are in death.” So begins the liturgy for the graveside service of committal. In the midst of life … we see the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror. The common, unglorified daily life is so prevalent that it is good for me to be reminded of the reality of “the glory of the Lord.” Today for me I expect the glory of my precious Lord to be evidenced in quiet, ordinary ways. Today might be the day I enter into his glory in a new and different way. And in the ordinariness of this Monday in the Ozarks I can anticipate to walk with Him and experience His goodness without the veil, and as I am transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (verse 18).
Sunday, August 28, 2011
August 28, 2011
8-28-11 Sunday, 6:16 am Springfield, 65 degrees, clear.
I had weird dreams last night. One of them had me staying at a homeless shelter and a man started beating his pregnant wife. I tried to get help but could not. Audrey and I were awakened by a 12:30 am phone call on her cell phone, someone calling from California. It took a while for me to get back to sleep, which made getting up when my alarm went off at 5:30 difficult. I am now fully ready for the day. The minutes tick by so swiftly on Sunday mornings.
As I preach this morning on the topic “Gifted Hands, Fruitful Lives” I will be lifting up Psalm 1 alongside the movie “Gifted Hands”. My three main points are A. Seeds of faith – like a tree planted by the water… B. Growth and nurture and C. New life to others. My application will include several questions to ponder: What has God given to you? Who are you listening to? What are you doing with it to bear fruit, life in others? How does God’s Word factor in you life? What are the obstacles in your path? What is your response to the obstacles? At the end, what do you hope for, expect?
God has given me so very much – stable family of origin, healthy body, inquisitive mind, spiritual mentors, a Godly wife, wonderful children, continuing education, adequate resources, 28 years of experience as a pastor, a vision for the church. Guide me holy Lord today as I serve You and lead in worship throughout the Wesley community. Use my countenance, my words, my thoughts to achieve your purposes in the lives of the hearers. I am yours, bearing fruit.
I had weird dreams last night. One of them had me staying at a homeless shelter and a man started beating his pregnant wife. I tried to get help but could not. Audrey and I were awakened by a 12:30 am phone call on her cell phone, someone calling from California. It took a while for me to get back to sleep, which made getting up when my alarm went off at 5:30 difficult. I am now fully ready for the day. The minutes tick by so swiftly on Sunday mornings.
As I preach this morning on the topic “Gifted Hands, Fruitful Lives” I will be lifting up Psalm 1 alongside the movie “Gifted Hands”. My three main points are A. Seeds of faith – like a tree planted by the water… B. Growth and nurture and C. New life to others. My application will include several questions to ponder: What has God given to you? Who are you listening to? What are you doing with it to bear fruit, life in others? How does God’s Word factor in you life? What are the obstacles in your path? What is your response to the obstacles? At the end, what do you hope for, expect?
God has given me so very much – stable family of origin, healthy body, inquisitive mind, spiritual mentors, a Godly wife, wonderful children, continuing education, adequate resources, 28 years of experience as a pastor, a vision for the church. Guide me holy Lord today as I serve You and lead in worship throughout the Wesley community. Use my countenance, my words, my thoughts to achieve your purposes in the lives of the hearers. I am yours, bearing fruit.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
August 27, 2011
8-27-11 Saturday, 7:20 am Springfield, 64 degrees, clear.
I am amazed at the gradual changing of the seasons. This week with a group of pastors we studied Ecclesiastes 3 with the poetic observations that there is a time for everything under the sun – a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and time to pluck up what is planted… (Eccl 3:1) There are 28 different human activities and experiences in the first 8 verses of this chapter. One of our pastors led this study, and it provided the avenue for us to reflect upon the changes in our lives over the 20 years we have been meeting together. Give our culture’s fascination with youth, it is a healthy practice to invest time with the men who have known me for 20 years and whom I have known as we have raised our children, pastored our churches and husbanded our wives. I made the statement that we can expect to gather at the funerals of our brothers as the inevitable happens. We then made plans for another retreat next year with the intention to stay in touch throughout the year.
Psalm 1 (My text for tomorrow’s sermon)
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” (verses 1-3)
This Psalm has two basic pathways – follow the advice, walk in the manner of wicked and scoffing sinners, or delight in and meditate upon God’s word. The former is so attractive and is the “wide path” which Jesus describes as leading to destruction, and the latter is the “narrow path” which leads to eternal life. Tomorrow I will use the Ben Carson story as my example of a man who pursued the narrow path after dealing with his anger, and became a brain surgeon who saved lives with his gifted hands. I will challenge all of us to allow God’s spirit to bear fruit in our lives as we surrender to His will and pursue His purposes, enduring much and experiencing His watchful eye and the prosperity of His plan.
(The following prayer is written by George O. Wood, published in his commentary on Psalm 1)
Lord Jesus, in the events of this day may I find myself in the path of the blessed. Keep my heart from evil – from walking, standing or sitting in the places of the heart and mind where I ought not to be. May I delight in You and Your Word, and may my inner thoughts be open to and upon You moment by moment. Amen.
I am amazed at the gradual changing of the seasons. This week with a group of pastors we studied Ecclesiastes 3 with the poetic observations that there is a time for everything under the sun – a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and time to pluck up what is planted… (Eccl 3:1) There are 28 different human activities and experiences in the first 8 verses of this chapter. One of our pastors led this study, and it provided the avenue for us to reflect upon the changes in our lives over the 20 years we have been meeting together. Give our culture’s fascination with youth, it is a healthy practice to invest time with the men who have known me for 20 years and whom I have known as we have raised our children, pastored our churches and husbanded our wives. I made the statement that we can expect to gather at the funerals of our brothers as the inevitable happens. We then made plans for another retreat next year with the intention to stay in touch throughout the year.
Psalm 1 (My text for tomorrow’s sermon)
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” (verses 1-3)
This Psalm has two basic pathways – follow the advice, walk in the manner of wicked and scoffing sinners, or delight in and meditate upon God’s word. The former is so attractive and is the “wide path” which Jesus describes as leading to destruction, and the latter is the “narrow path” which leads to eternal life. Tomorrow I will use the Ben Carson story as my example of a man who pursued the narrow path after dealing with his anger, and became a brain surgeon who saved lives with his gifted hands. I will challenge all of us to allow God’s spirit to bear fruit in our lives as we surrender to His will and pursue His purposes, enduring much and experiencing His watchful eye and the prosperity of His plan.
(The following prayer is written by George O. Wood, published in his commentary on Psalm 1)
Lord Jesus, in the events of this day may I find myself in the path of the blessed. Keep my heart from evil – from walking, standing or sitting in the places of the heart and mind where I ought not to be. May I delight in You and Your Word, and may my inner thoughts be open to and upon You moment by moment. Amen.
Friday, August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011
8-26-11 Friday, 7:24 am Springfield, 60 cool, clear degrees!
It is an absolutely beautiful morning in the Ozarks. I think that the oppressively hot and humid summer with its unending streak of sweltering days will set the stage for an autumn to be remembered. My friend Jack Wipfler used to articulate the benefit of life’s contrasts, and the older I get, the more I appreciate the contrasts which illumine and illustrate God’s goodness.
Today up and down the eastern seaboard communities are bracing for hurricane Irene, which is predicted to make landfall tonight and tomorrow. It could make a direct hit in New York City as a category 2 hurricane. Here in the Midwest we are anticipating lovely weather. I have just now moved out onto our deck to continue this devotional time, and the humming birds are aggressively feeding from the sugar water as they migrate south (and engage in aerial combat with each other!)
Our leadership experience launched well last night with just a couple of hiccups. I also had the privilege of addressing the parents’ orientation of kids of creation. I am very aware that a church the size of Wesley has similarities with an aircraft carrier. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the role of lead pastor, and it is a weighty responsibility with multiple facets. Today we are preparing for tomorrow’s funeral, we have two people hospitalized with serious leg issues, and there are currents and undertows I am addressing. On Sunday we had 17 first time visitors and our system for tracking and responding has been much improved.
Esther 4- 10 (One Year Bible daily reading for August 18 and 19)
Esther is God’s agent of salvation for her people, encouraged and prompted by her relative Mordecai. The wicked Haman’s plot to have all Jews in the kingdom murdered is thwarted, and the king elevates Mordecai to a position of power and authority. As I am reading Bonhoeffer and contemplating the 1930’s in Germany, I see strong parallels with the period in the history of the Jewish people, God’s chosen ones. One difference is that Haman was not king, but Hitler seized ultimate power and authority in a beleaguered Germany. Could there have arisen one such as Esther or Mordecai in the 1930s or 40s who could have risked their own life to save the Jews? Many such people emerged, and sacrificed their own lives on behalf of those heading to the concentration camps, as well as leaders who plotted assassinations which were not successful.
In this current age, what are the opportunities that I have to follow God’s plan to the saving of His people? Currently we are experiencing relative domestic peace and an ordered culture, but that could change at any point. As a leader in the church, my calling today is to preach, serve and lead God’s people as a servant of Christ, sensitive to his Will, and always prepared to sacrifice. Guide me today Lord in so doing at each juncture until I retire tonight, to arise and serve you tomorrow.
It is an absolutely beautiful morning in the Ozarks. I think that the oppressively hot and humid summer with its unending streak of sweltering days will set the stage for an autumn to be remembered. My friend Jack Wipfler used to articulate the benefit of life’s contrasts, and the older I get, the more I appreciate the contrasts which illumine and illustrate God’s goodness.
Today up and down the eastern seaboard communities are bracing for hurricane Irene, which is predicted to make landfall tonight and tomorrow. It could make a direct hit in New York City as a category 2 hurricane. Here in the Midwest we are anticipating lovely weather. I have just now moved out onto our deck to continue this devotional time, and the humming birds are aggressively feeding from the sugar water as they migrate south (and engage in aerial combat with each other!)
Our leadership experience launched well last night with just a couple of hiccups. I also had the privilege of addressing the parents’ orientation of kids of creation. I am very aware that a church the size of Wesley has similarities with an aircraft carrier. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the role of lead pastor, and it is a weighty responsibility with multiple facets. Today we are preparing for tomorrow’s funeral, we have two people hospitalized with serious leg issues, and there are currents and undertows I am addressing. On Sunday we had 17 first time visitors and our system for tracking and responding has been much improved.
Esther 4- 10 (One Year Bible daily reading for August 18 and 19)
Esther is God’s agent of salvation for her people, encouraged and prompted by her relative Mordecai. The wicked Haman’s plot to have all Jews in the kingdom murdered is thwarted, and the king elevates Mordecai to a position of power and authority. As I am reading Bonhoeffer and contemplating the 1930’s in Germany, I see strong parallels with the period in the history of the Jewish people, God’s chosen ones. One difference is that Haman was not king, but Hitler seized ultimate power and authority in a beleaguered Germany. Could there have arisen one such as Esther or Mordecai in the 1930s or 40s who could have risked their own life to save the Jews? Many such people emerged, and sacrificed their own lives on behalf of those heading to the concentration camps, as well as leaders who plotted assassinations which were not successful.
In this current age, what are the opportunities that I have to follow God’s plan to the saving of His people? Currently we are experiencing relative domestic peace and an ordered culture, but that could change at any point. As a leader in the church, my calling today is to preach, serve and lead God’s people as a servant of Christ, sensitive to his Will, and always prepared to sacrifice. Guide me today Lord in so doing at each juncture until I retire tonight, to arise and serve you tomorrow.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August 25, 2011
8-25-11 Thursday. 5:37 am Springfield, 69 degrees, clear, low humidity.
As I stepped outside onto our deck this morning, I noticed how bright the stars appeared, even with the quarter moon. For the first time I observed the constellation Orion, which is a winter constellation, reminding me of the gradual turning of the seasons, and also that I lack understanding of how the stars and planets are positioned relative to the earth.
I have not journalled for several days, as I have been on a retreat with eleven other pastors. In 1991 a pastoral counselor convened a group of us who were in various stages of ministry. Now, twenty years later, he is retired, as are several in our group. We studied the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3 and reflected well on the seasons and times of human life. We played volleyball, golf, and hearts. I managed to get in two decent runs. The cabin we stayed in had 5 beds, so we slept on the floor, on couches, etc., and managed fine without air conditioning. We have made plans to continue this annual retreat, even though the weekly meetings of the group have now ceased.
I Corinthians 16
Paul instructs the church on taking a weekly offering which will be given to the believers in Israel due to their extreme hardship. Paul will come for a visit to Corinth, possibly even staying the winter there, and wants the church to have already collected the funds for this need among Jewish Christians in the holy land. Paul also makes several personal comments in this last chapter. He brings greetings especially from Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their home. I wonder what it was like to be part of that house church.
This morning at Wesley we will meet to plan worship themes into the spring of next year. Momentarily I will review the movie Letters to God as we are planning a series on Prayer in September. I enjoy the process of discerning and planning themes and topics for worship. I welcome the challenge of spending adequate time in prayer and discernment of the needs of the congregation.
I am yours, most holy Lord. Guide me today as we continue to plan for the funeral of Don Coin, our 5th member to die in 4 weeks. Give me the strength to lead the precious faith community called Wesley in Springfield.
As I stepped outside onto our deck this morning, I noticed how bright the stars appeared, even with the quarter moon. For the first time I observed the constellation Orion, which is a winter constellation, reminding me of the gradual turning of the seasons, and also that I lack understanding of how the stars and planets are positioned relative to the earth.
I have not journalled for several days, as I have been on a retreat with eleven other pastors. In 1991 a pastoral counselor convened a group of us who were in various stages of ministry. Now, twenty years later, he is retired, as are several in our group. We studied the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3 and reflected well on the seasons and times of human life. We played volleyball, golf, and hearts. I managed to get in two decent runs. The cabin we stayed in had 5 beds, so we slept on the floor, on couches, etc., and managed fine without air conditioning. We have made plans to continue this annual retreat, even though the weekly meetings of the group have now ceased.
I Corinthians 16
Paul instructs the church on taking a weekly offering which will be given to the believers in Israel due to their extreme hardship. Paul will come for a visit to Corinth, possibly even staying the winter there, and wants the church to have already collected the funds for this need among Jewish Christians in the holy land. Paul also makes several personal comments in this last chapter. He brings greetings especially from Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their home. I wonder what it was like to be part of that house church.
This morning at Wesley we will meet to plan worship themes into the spring of next year. Momentarily I will review the movie Letters to God as we are planning a series on Prayer in September. I enjoy the process of discerning and planning themes and topics for worship. I welcome the challenge of spending adequate time in prayer and discernment of the needs of the congregation.
I am yours, most holy Lord. Guide me today as we continue to plan for the funeral of Don Coin, our 5th member to die in 4 weeks. Give me the strength to lead the precious faith community called Wesley in Springfield.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August 20, 2011
8-20-11 Saturday, 6:33 am Springfield, 73 degrees. 88% humidity, wind 18 mph from the north.
Last night I was at Cox North until after 10 pm as a young person was admitted. This morning I have a breakfast appointment, then the 10 o’clock funeral for John Howerton. This afternoon Jon Morgan gets married at Wesley. My scripture for devotions will be the scripture chosen for the funeral – Ecclesiastes 3.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Solomon has authored this book near the end of his long reign as king of Israel, following his father David. He chronicles how he has sought happiness through a variety of pursuits, and his conclusion is that it is all vanity. Matthew Henry’s commentary is insightful on this chapter, and observes that the overall theme of this book is that fulfillment ultimately comes from God, and pursuing any other objectives apart from God eventually turns out empty.
Verses 1-8 is a classic, much quoted section acknowledging the transitory nature of life on planet earth – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;” The firm apprehension of this concept brings a person a measure of peace throughout the vicissitudes of life.
Lord, guide my steps, my words, and my actions today that they might glorify you and minister to the hearts and souls of the people I have the privilege of speaking to. May my countenance, my demeanor, my presence represent you and bring faith and hope throughout this day.
Last night I was at Cox North until after 10 pm as a young person was admitted. This morning I have a breakfast appointment, then the 10 o’clock funeral for John Howerton. This afternoon Jon Morgan gets married at Wesley. My scripture for devotions will be the scripture chosen for the funeral – Ecclesiastes 3.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Solomon has authored this book near the end of his long reign as king of Israel, following his father David. He chronicles how he has sought happiness through a variety of pursuits, and his conclusion is that it is all vanity. Matthew Henry’s commentary is insightful on this chapter, and observes that the overall theme of this book is that fulfillment ultimately comes from God, and pursuing any other objectives apart from God eventually turns out empty.
Verses 1-8 is a classic, much quoted section acknowledging the transitory nature of life on planet earth – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;” The firm apprehension of this concept brings a person a measure of peace throughout the vicissitudes of life.
Lord, guide my steps, my words, and my actions today that they might glorify you and minister to the hearts and souls of the people I have the privilege of speaking to. May my countenance, my demeanor, my presence represent you and bring faith and hope throughout this day.
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