Today I have three appointments – two with couples planning their weddings, one with a family concerning tomorrow’s baptism of their baby. I will work on my sermon and at my desk on administrative and leadership tasks. Tonight will be a regular Saturday night for us, as we prepare for Sunday morning and the four services. I imagine that attendance might be light tomorrow, given it is New Years Day, and I expect to have great worship experiences as we bring in the new year with a look at God’s will, and celebrate holy communion.
Yesterday was a good day at the church office. In addition to preparing the bulletin and other worship related items, there was the financial aspect of year end numbers and final contributions being received. It appears that Wesley will end the year in a positive financial position. In the afternoon I ran the outdoor track at the gym, recording a 7:30 mile, which in Galloway’s formula would equate to a hard marathon pace of 9:45 a mile. This is about what I expect, with 10 minute miles my goal. I learned of Dan Rich’s death in an auto accident – Dan was one of the early pioneer members at SunRise.
Revelation 22 – the last chapter in the Bible
It is good to read this chapter for my morning devotions. Throughout the day I will read the last chapter of the Old Testament, and the last Psalm. John begins this chapter with a description of the “river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and the Lamb in the middle of its street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Verses 1-2)
This entire chapter is victorious, upbeat, and hopeful. Jesus promises to come quickly, and to render to every person according to their deeds. As I read it this morning, I am encouraged and inspired to live this day for Him, and every day fully in light of His reward, His coming, His promises, and His presence.
In this chapter, Jesus says that He is the alpha and omega (Verse 13). He also states that He is “the bright morning star.” (Verse 16) I worship Jesus, and as we just celebrated his nativity, I am daily aware of his Lordship and his reign in heaven and on earth.
Guide me today Lord as I walk through this last day of 2011. May my thoughts, words and actions glorify you in every way, all day, as I look forward to your coming, and to eternity around the throne with the tree of life.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
December 30, 2011
Bethany is on a train to Chicago, Audrey and I had a good drive back from St. Louis, and I am preparing to go to the church office to work on sermon and bulletin for the weekend services and the new year. Watching the news on the Today Show I realize that my upcoming series entitled “Why?” will have daily applications. This morning there is a follow up story on the 5 people who died on Christmas day in a fire in Stamford, Connecticut. Such a tragedy. I am sure everyone involved is asking “why?” On a lighter note, they are teasing Matt Lauer about turning 54 today.
Revelation 21
In this next-to-last chapter of the Bible, John records his vision of a new heaven and new earth. As I read these 27 verses I am comforted, inspired, informed and challenged to live every day with the end in mind. The followers of Christ ultimately are on the winning side, with the final tremendous victory and eternally dwelling with God in the new Jerusalem.
“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Verses 3-4) Between now and then, I will live in the midst of death, sorrow, crying and pain. As a pastor I will be present with people in their suffering, and try to make sense of what we all experience. I will live with the question “Why?” for the next 5 Sundays.
Guide me Lord on this Friday as 2011 comes to a close. I look forward with all believers to the new heaven and new earth. Lead me in your righteousness. Make my way plain before your face. Guard me from the darkness of sin and self. Shine “loves pure light” in and through me today.
Revelation 21
In this next-to-last chapter of the Bible, John records his vision of a new heaven and new earth. As I read these 27 verses I am comforted, inspired, informed and challenged to live every day with the end in mind. The followers of Christ ultimately are on the winning side, with the final tremendous victory and eternally dwelling with God in the new Jerusalem.
“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Verses 3-4) Between now and then, I will live in the midst of death, sorrow, crying and pain. As a pastor I will be present with people in their suffering, and try to make sense of what we all experience. I will live with the question “Why?” for the next 5 Sundays.
Guide me Lord on this Friday as 2011 comes to a close. I look forward with all believers to the new heaven and new earth. Lead me in your righteousness. Make my way plain before your face. Guard me from the darkness of sin and self. Shine “loves pure light” in and through me today.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
December 27, 2011
I am beginning to return to a more normal schedule following the great Christmas celebrations at church and with family. Today we head to St. Louis for a visit with David and Danelle. The weather will be very nice for the rest of the year, highs near 50 and sunny. I will run each day. Sunset is at 5:03 today, and gets a little later each night. Audrey gave me gardening tools, and I can already anticipate the warmth of spring. (Even though winter has essentially just begun!)
Revelation 18 – The Fall of Babylon
The single theme in this chapter is the fall of the great city Babylon. It is the greatest city ever, and its wealth will be gone suddenly. Many will mourn for its loss. “For your merchants were the greatest in the world, and you deceived the nations with your sorceries. In your streets flowed the blood of the prophets and of God’s holy people and the blood of people slaughtered all over the world.” (Verses 23b-24)
As I read this chapter I wonder which city this actually will be in the end times. Is it New York? Tehran? Rome? Or could it be some city yet to become prominent? It is only speculation to try to figure this out, but the take away for me this morning is that God is judge of the whole world, and the evil and injustice perpetrated anywhere will be punished, even if it seems that for a season the wicked prosper.
Lord, as the sun rises in the east, I am remembering Silent Night, and in the third verse the phrase “the dawn of redeeming grace.” Thank you for your mercy and love for this sinner, saved by redeeming grace to reflect “loves pure light.” Use me today as your servant.
Organizing some of my books yesterday I found My Spiritual Diary by Dale Evans Rogers, fourth printing, April, 1956. Her opening words are “I am resolved to keep a spiritual accounting, that I may check on my soul’s progression or (may God forbid!) regression. So I set down here my faith, hope, philosophy and spiritual adventuring, that I may know how weak and strong I am. Put Your hand over mine, Lord God, that this writing may be honest and reverent.”
As I also regularly keep a spiritual journal with similar purpose, Dale Roger’s account will be helpful to read in a devotional way during the next few weeks.
Revelation 18 – The Fall of Babylon
The single theme in this chapter is the fall of the great city Babylon. It is the greatest city ever, and its wealth will be gone suddenly. Many will mourn for its loss. “For your merchants were the greatest in the world, and you deceived the nations with your sorceries. In your streets flowed the blood of the prophets and of God’s holy people and the blood of people slaughtered all over the world.” (Verses 23b-24)
As I read this chapter I wonder which city this actually will be in the end times. Is it New York? Tehran? Rome? Or could it be some city yet to become prominent? It is only speculation to try to figure this out, but the take away for me this morning is that God is judge of the whole world, and the evil and injustice perpetrated anywhere will be punished, even if it seems that for a season the wicked prosper.
Lord, as the sun rises in the east, I am remembering Silent Night, and in the third verse the phrase “the dawn of redeeming grace.” Thank you for your mercy and love for this sinner, saved by redeeming grace to reflect “loves pure light.” Use me today as your servant.
Organizing some of my books yesterday I found My Spiritual Diary by Dale Evans Rogers, fourth printing, April, 1956. Her opening words are “I am resolved to keep a spiritual accounting, that I may check on my soul’s progression or (may God forbid!) regression. So I set down here my faith, hope, philosophy and spiritual adventuring, that I may know how weak and strong I am. Put Your hand over mine, Lord God, that this writing may be honest and reverent.”
As I also regularly keep a spiritual journal with similar purpose, Dale Roger’s account will be helpful to read in a devotional way during the next few weeks.
Monday, December 26, 2011
December 26, 2011
Ahhh, the day after Christmas! Monday is regularly my sabbath, and today it is doubly so, with it being the national holiday also. I will run this morning, work around the house, pack for our trip to O’Fallon, and then host family for a delayed Christmas dinner tonight. Yesterday had an odd feel for many of us, with it being Christmas on a Sunday. We opened presents in the afternoon, and then took naps. I could not sleep, so I fired up the Concours and went on a 30 mile ride into the setting sun, down through Boaz. I began reading O’Reilly’s new book Killing Lincoln. It is a compelling narrative of the last 15 days of Lincoln’s life, including the last days of Lee and Grant battling it out.
Revelation 17
One of the angels from the previous chapter invites John to come and see the judgment of the great harlot that sits upon many waters. This chapter is an explanation of future judgment. The description is not easily understood, and down through the centuries many people have tried to apply various contemporary kings and countries to this vision. I am content to simply understand that there will be tremendous conflict, and I want to always carefully discern how to follow Jesus, and avoid the temptation to follow the powers and movements that lead away from Him.
Last night we watched Valkerie, a movie about the attempt to kill Hitler in 1944 and take over the government. The attempt failed, and there were many executions, including Bonhoeffer in 1945. The army officers involved recognized that Hitler was evil and had become his own country’s worst enemy. This was an epic struggle, in which Hitler dominated for a season, and brought ruin upon his country, Europe, and much of the world. Could such a thing happen again? Absolutely, and this 17th chapter of Revelation reveals global conflicts yet to come.
Guide me Lord as I live during this relatively peaceful era, aware of the struggle of good and evil, those who follow You and those who are seduced by the beast. Give me wisdom, discernment and courage as I live this day in the shelter of your wings.
Revelation 17
One of the angels from the previous chapter invites John to come and see the judgment of the great harlot that sits upon many waters. This chapter is an explanation of future judgment. The description is not easily understood, and down through the centuries many people have tried to apply various contemporary kings and countries to this vision. I am content to simply understand that there will be tremendous conflict, and I want to always carefully discern how to follow Jesus, and avoid the temptation to follow the powers and movements that lead away from Him.
Last night we watched Valkerie, a movie about the attempt to kill Hitler in 1944 and take over the government. The attempt failed, and there were many executions, including Bonhoeffer in 1945. The army officers involved recognized that Hitler was evil and had become his own country’s worst enemy. This was an epic struggle, in which Hitler dominated for a season, and brought ruin upon his country, Europe, and much of the world. Could such a thing happen again? Absolutely, and this 17th chapter of Revelation reveals global conflicts yet to come.
Guide me Lord as I live during this relatively peaceful era, aware of the struggle of good and evil, those who follow You and those who are seduced by the beast. Give me wisdom, discernment and courage as I live this day in the shelter of your wings.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
December 25, 2011
Christmas morning!
We had 5 wonderful worship services yesterday. I especially enjoyed serving communion at each service. There were so many worshippers whom I did not recognize, and whom I pray will find a spiritual home at Wesley and become part of this ministry. Audrey played the piano, Bethany sang with Brian Matson, and the Light of Christ was proclaimed.
This morning we will have two worship services – one at 10:30 in the gym, one at 11:00 in the sanctuary. Jim Massey will preach at both. It is unusual for Christmas day to be on Sunday, happening every 6 years or so. The last time it happened I was not pastoring, but serving on the conference staff and I hardly noticed the scheduling issues it presents. So it is Christmas morning, there is no Sunday School or first two worship services. The Baxters will not open presents until this afternoon. We will worship Christ the King with a faithful congregation this morning, and then enjoy a sabbath rest.
Revelation 16
The seven bowls of the wrath of God are poured out by the seven angels upon the earth. I read this chapter this morning with the question I posed last night – what is real? How do we know? This is an interesting chapter to read on Christmas morning, the day we celebrate the tender baby Jesus being born. And it is a great chapter to read on Christmas morning, to remember that God’s wrath is real, and those who ignore God, who trivialize Him, who rebel against Him, who chose darkness rather than light will be punished, and God will triumph for all time!
Guide me today most Holy Lord as I worship you in Spirit and in Truth, serving among your people called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri.
We had 5 wonderful worship services yesterday. I especially enjoyed serving communion at each service. There were so many worshippers whom I did not recognize, and whom I pray will find a spiritual home at Wesley and become part of this ministry. Audrey played the piano, Bethany sang with Brian Matson, and the Light of Christ was proclaimed.
This morning we will have two worship services – one at 10:30 in the gym, one at 11:00 in the sanctuary. Jim Massey will preach at both. It is unusual for Christmas day to be on Sunday, happening every 6 years or so. The last time it happened I was not pastoring, but serving on the conference staff and I hardly noticed the scheduling issues it presents. So it is Christmas morning, there is no Sunday School or first two worship services. The Baxters will not open presents until this afternoon. We will worship Christ the King with a faithful congregation this morning, and then enjoy a sabbath rest.
Revelation 16
The seven bowls of the wrath of God are poured out by the seven angels upon the earth. I read this chapter this morning with the question I posed last night – what is real? How do we know? This is an interesting chapter to read on Christmas morning, the day we celebrate the tender baby Jesus being born. And it is a great chapter to read on Christmas morning, to remember that God’s wrath is real, and those who ignore God, who trivialize Him, who rebel against Him, who chose darkness rather than light will be punished, and God will triumph for all time!
Guide me today most Holy Lord as I worship you in Spirit and in Truth, serving among your people called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
December 24, 2011
There is a quietness during this morning hour as I prepare for a long and fruitful day of pastoral ministry. We will host 5 worship services at Wesley, and I will preach the same message 5 times. I will spend a couple of hours fine tuning this 12 minute “Love’s Pure Light” message this morning. This will be my 25th Christmas Eve to lead worship, and the day always has a feel that is unique – partly it feels like a Sunday, but the morning is so quiet, the worship is different, and the expectations are so varied. Many people will come grieving the loss of loved ones, families with children come with great expectation, devoted followers of Christ come to worship the King whose second coming they anticipate, and seekers come, wondering if the Christmas story is real, if it has any relevance for their lives.
I have not written in this my journal for a couple of days, as I have had morning appointments – hospital visits, dentist visit, etc. Thus my blog has been silent. I have continued to read and meditate upon the daily scripture from the One Year Bible, as it marches through the book of Revelation.
Revelation 15
John sees seven angels with seven plagues, and a sea of glass mixed with fire, and standing on this sea are those who had come off victorious from the beast and from his image. “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying:
“Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For thou alone art holy; For all the Nations will come and worship before Thee, For thy righteous acts have been revealed.” (Verses 3-4)
In these verses I see revealed the language and the pattern of true worship – attributing to God His nature, character, His works and the response of coming to worship before Him. Marva Dawn has written a book entitled How Shall We Worship, which is based on Psalm 96. Reading Revelation 15, remembering these words recorded by John described as “The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb” my heart is drawn to worship the king on this morning of celebrating the birth of Jesus almost 2000 years ago.
Guide me today most holy Lord as I worship you during this brief earthly journey, and as I lead multiple services of praise and worship in the sanctuary at Wesley, and in the gym. I worship You this morning here in my house, and each place I go today I am singing your praises, especially praising You for “love’s pure light.”
I have not written in this my journal for a couple of days, as I have had morning appointments – hospital visits, dentist visit, etc. Thus my blog has been silent. I have continued to read and meditate upon the daily scripture from the One Year Bible, as it marches through the book of Revelation.
Revelation 15
John sees seven angels with seven plagues, and a sea of glass mixed with fire, and standing on this sea are those who had come off victorious from the beast and from his image. “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying:
“Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For thou alone art holy; For all the Nations will come and worship before Thee, For thy righteous acts have been revealed.” (Verses 3-4)
In these verses I see revealed the language and the pattern of true worship – attributing to God His nature, character, His works and the response of coming to worship before Him. Marva Dawn has written a book entitled How Shall We Worship, which is based on Psalm 96. Reading Revelation 15, remembering these words recorded by John described as “The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb” my heart is drawn to worship the king on this morning of celebrating the birth of Jesus almost 2000 years ago.
Guide me today most holy Lord as I worship you during this brief earthly journey, and as I lead multiple services of praise and worship in the sanctuary at Wesley, and in the gym. I worship You this morning here in my house, and each place I go today I am singing your praises, especially praising You for “love’s pure light.”
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
December 21, 2011
It feels good to be up early on this Wednesday. My 18 mile run went well on Monday, completed in 3 hours 26 minutes, which was the time of my first marathon in 1981. With 6 ½ weeks to go until the Feb 5 marathon in California, I am feeling on track to complete it comfortably using the Galloway method of run-walk-run. Bethany flies in today to the new Branson airport on Frontier airline. It appears that the snow has cleared up that blanketed Colorado and Kansas yesterday. It will be so good to see her again and spend some time together over the next 2 weeks.
Revelation 12 - The Woman and the Dragon
This is a colorful and challenging chapter of scripture. I have read J. Ramsey Michaels’ commentary on Revelation for perspective. Remarkably, this chapter of Revelation is a description of the nativity – the birth of Jesus. Verse 5 “And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.” Verse 9 describes the “great dragon … the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…” This one “stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.” (Verse 4)
Reading the graphic images of this chapter four days before Christmas is powerful. I realize the eternal impact of the birth of Christ the conflict this caused in heaven and on earth. The conflict continues – evil is so very present on earth. “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Verse 17) I see this conflict playing out in world events and in communities around the Ozarks. I see it within the church, and within individuals.
The good news is that “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.” (Verse 10)
Guide me today Lord as I live in the times between time. Today in the northern hemisphere is the winter solstice, the day the darkness peaks. Lead me in your light. Allow me to live as one who overcomes the darkness, evil, injustice just as you have overcome the world. Guard me from all the accusations of the evil one. Today I will hold to the testimony of Jesus, in the fullness of that witness.
Revelation 12 - The Woman and the Dragon
This is a colorful and challenging chapter of scripture. I have read J. Ramsey Michaels’ commentary on Revelation for perspective. Remarkably, this chapter of Revelation is a description of the nativity – the birth of Jesus. Verse 5 “And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.” Verse 9 describes the “great dragon … the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…” This one “stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.” (Verse 4)
Reading the graphic images of this chapter four days before Christmas is powerful. I realize the eternal impact of the birth of Christ the conflict this caused in heaven and on earth. The conflict continues – evil is so very present on earth. “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Verse 17) I see this conflict playing out in world events and in communities around the Ozarks. I see it within the church, and within individuals.
The good news is that “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.” (Verse 10)
Guide me today Lord as I live in the times between time. Today in the northern hemisphere is the winter solstice, the day the darkness peaks. Lead me in your light. Allow me to live as one who overcomes the darkness, evil, injustice just as you have overcome the world. Guard me from all the accusations of the evil one. Today I will hold to the testimony of Jesus, in the fullness of that witness.
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