The sound of steady rain has not been familiar lately. As I awoke I heard what sounded like water running in a nearby downspout, but I could not hear any rain hitting the roof. Now that I am up I can see and hear the regular rain. I will adjust my planning for this “day off” accordingly. It was good to get away last week, and I am looking forward to having an unscheduled day here at home.
I Peter 3
Verse 15 – “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” This verse informs the believer and instructs each of us to live in a noteworthy way with readiness to explain the difference of our lives, the hope that is in us, Christ as Lord.
Guide me today Lord as I serve you on this rainy day in the Ozarks, this last day of April as the earth rotates on its axis and orbits the sun.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
April 29, 2012
I am looking forward to gathering with the body of Christ called Wesley for worship and teaching. Pastor Mi Hyeon will be preaching all four services, and I will be teaching the new member Sunday School class. Tonight we have our final life group with college students at Bob and Linda’s home. Yesterday I worked on the Habitat home in the morning, caulking exterior siding which took me back to my college student painting days. Through the middle of the day I took a couple from church flying, fulfilling the commitment made last July as we were raising funds for Danny. We had a great flight, sightseeing over Branson and Table Rock Lake.
I Peter 2
“Therefore … like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” (Verses 1-3) This “longing for the pure milk of the Word” has so many implications. I have experienced an inner thirst for God’s Word throughout my life in Christ. Sometimes it subsides and needs to be renewed as Peter admonishes in these verses. As I am not preaching today, I am pondering how during the announcements I can stir this up, especially as I begin a new series next week, preaching expository from the book of Hebrews.
Verse 24: “and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by his wounds you were healed.” This is a profound verse stating what Christ has done, and what we must do, and finishes with the affirmation of the healing power of God.
Guide me today, most Holy Lord, as I die to sin and live to righteousness. There are so many ways in which this is accomplished in and through the life to which You have called me. I am yours today, most holy Lord.
I Peter 2
“Therefore … like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” (Verses 1-3) This “longing for the pure milk of the Word” has so many implications. I have experienced an inner thirst for God’s Word throughout my life in Christ. Sometimes it subsides and needs to be renewed as Peter admonishes in these verses. As I am not preaching today, I am pondering how during the announcements I can stir this up, especially as I begin a new series next week, preaching expository from the book of Hebrews.
Verse 24: “and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by his wounds you were healed.” This is a profound verse stating what Christ has done, and what we must do, and finishes with the affirmation of the healing power of God.
Guide me today, most Holy Lord, as I die to sin and live to righteousness. There are so many ways in which this is accomplished in and through the life to which You have called me. I am yours today, most holy Lord.
Friday, April 27, 2012
April 27, 2012
It is good to be back home. California is a nice place to visit, and though I was born there and my daughter has made it her home for almost 5 years, it is clearly a different culture! I enjoyed my 4 days there, and am ready to jump back into the work of pastoring and being a servant leader in this community.
Last night Audrey and I attended the performance of Garrison Keillor. It turned out that he was on the same plane I was yesterday morning from Los Angeles to Springfield (Audrey saw him deplane). His 2 ½ hour monologue was humorous, interesting, more R rated than I would have liked, and he ended by saying that on his mind tonight was a Lutheran Pastor who called him before the show and is depressed and at the end of her rope. He said he didn’t know how to help a pastor. He closed by leading us in singing “There is a Balm in Gilead” which was nice, since Audrey and I were among the few who knew the words.
Tonight Rochelle will host the worship arts celebration which replaces the Valentine’s Day choir party. Audrey has asked me to help her with a unique piece that will require me to sing. I am looking forward to a special poem written by Jeff Slemp about Republic Road. Tomorrow I will attend the United Methodist Men’s breakfast and then hopefully take a couple flying, still pending from the July benefit for Danny Smith.
James 5
This fifth chapter of this short epistle is full of practical advice. It begins with 6 verses of railing against “the rich,” who have lived in luxury having defrauded laborers their wages and condemned to death righteous men. All of us who live in the middle class in America must take heed to these verses, because even though we have not directly defrauded laborers, there is always the benefit from sweat shops around the world who produce clothes and shoes for the market, whose laborers are not fairly compensated.
Verses 7-11 are encouraging words about being patient, like the farmer waiting for the crops to mature and bear fruit. “Behold, we count those blessed who endured… Job… the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” These verses speak directly to me this morning, as I contemplate what it means for me to be patient, to expect to see the Lord’s hand blessing my life and ministry as I endure, now approaching my 30th year as a pastor.
Verses 13-18 are some of the strongest words about prayer. “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him…the effective prayer of a righteous mans avails much.” I need to regularly be reminded of this promise. I pray every day. I encourage and teach others to pray. I realize the results of prayer. And I must refresh my understanding regularly of the impact of prayer.
The last two verses of this epistle alert the reader to the powerful result of turning a sinner from the error of his or her ways. Every follower of Christ must be ready to do so, and always be alert for the opportunity to invest in a wayward soul.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I journey forward. Give me endurance, faith, perseverance in prayer, and a watchfulness for anyone who might be deluded by the error of his or her current direction.
Last night Audrey and I attended the performance of Garrison Keillor. It turned out that he was on the same plane I was yesterday morning from Los Angeles to Springfield (Audrey saw him deplane). His 2 ½ hour monologue was humorous, interesting, more R rated than I would have liked, and he ended by saying that on his mind tonight was a Lutheran Pastor who called him before the show and is depressed and at the end of her rope. He said he didn’t know how to help a pastor. He closed by leading us in singing “There is a Balm in Gilead” which was nice, since Audrey and I were among the few who knew the words.
Tonight Rochelle will host the worship arts celebration which replaces the Valentine’s Day choir party. Audrey has asked me to help her with a unique piece that will require me to sing. I am looking forward to a special poem written by Jeff Slemp about Republic Road. Tomorrow I will attend the United Methodist Men’s breakfast and then hopefully take a couple flying, still pending from the July benefit for Danny Smith.
James 5
This fifth chapter of this short epistle is full of practical advice. It begins with 6 verses of railing against “the rich,” who have lived in luxury having defrauded laborers their wages and condemned to death righteous men. All of us who live in the middle class in America must take heed to these verses, because even though we have not directly defrauded laborers, there is always the benefit from sweat shops around the world who produce clothes and shoes for the market, whose laborers are not fairly compensated.
Verses 7-11 are encouraging words about being patient, like the farmer waiting for the crops to mature and bear fruit. “Behold, we count those blessed who endured… Job… the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” These verses speak directly to me this morning, as I contemplate what it means for me to be patient, to expect to see the Lord’s hand blessing my life and ministry as I endure, now approaching my 30th year as a pastor.
Verses 13-18 are some of the strongest words about prayer. “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him…the effective prayer of a righteous mans avails much.” I need to regularly be reminded of this promise. I pray every day. I encourage and teach others to pray. I realize the results of prayer. And I must refresh my understanding regularly of the impact of prayer.
The last two verses of this epistle alert the reader to the powerful result of turning a sinner from the error of his or her ways. Every follower of Christ must be ready to do so, and always be alert for the opportunity to invest in a wayward soul.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I journey forward. Give me endurance, faith, perseverance in prayer, and a watchfulness for anyone who might be deluded by the error of his or her current direction.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
April 25, 2012
As I begin this day in Azusa California I will start directly with scripture.
James 3
This chapter continues the direct style of the writer James, as he warns readers about the dangers of the tongue. He begins with cautioning not to become teachers, because there is a stricter judgment. As a pastor and teacher I am well aware of this caution, and I exercise this office with the greatest of care. He proceeds to point out that large animals are controlled by a bit and bridle, and a large ship by a rudder. “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (Verse 5)
He continues to warn about the human tongue: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not be so.” (Verses 8-10) I have observed this to be true, and the only taming of the tongue comes through the transformed life, God’s Holy Spirit living in a person, guiding thoughts, words and actions. When I was brand new in a real, active, personal faith, it was August of 1974. I was a house painter getting ready to start college. My parents cursed, I cursed, everyone around me cursed, using God’s various names in vain, and other foul language. I remember exactly where I was, driving on Olive Street Road when I submitted my tongue to God, and determined not to curse or use God’s name in vain, and instantaneously my speech became pure. This was a powerful witness in my spirit that indeed God was real, and the transformed life in Christ was real.
Guide me today, most Holy Lord as Bethany and I drive to and from San Diego, enjoying this day together. Bless our travels, our conversation, and our witness to whomever we meet along the way. Bless the work of Your kingdom unfolding at Wesley UMC in Springfield, and at General Conference in Florida. In your most precious, holy name, Amen.
James 3
This chapter continues the direct style of the writer James, as he warns readers about the dangers of the tongue. He begins with cautioning not to become teachers, because there is a stricter judgment. As a pastor and teacher I am well aware of this caution, and I exercise this office with the greatest of care. He proceeds to point out that large animals are controlled by a bit and bridle, and a large ship by a rudder. “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (Verse 5)
He continues to warn about the human tongue: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not be so.” (Verses 8-10) I have observed this to be true, and the only taming of the tongue comes through the transformed life, God’s Holy Spirit living in a person, guiding thoughts, words and actions. When I was brand new in a real, active, personal faith, it was August of 1974. I was a house painter getting ready to start college. My parents cursed, I cursed, everyone around me cursed, using God’s various names in vain, and other foul language. I remember exactly where I was, driving on Olive Street Road when I submitted my tongue to God, and determined not to curse or use God’s name in vain, and instantaneously my speech became pure. This was a powerful witness in my spirit that indeed God was real, and the transformed life in Christ was real.
Guide me today, most Holy Lord as Bethany and I drive to and from San Diego, enjoying this day together. Bless our travels, our conversation, and our witness to whomever we meet along the way. Bless the work of Your kingdom unfolding at Wesley UMC in Springfield, and at General Conference in Florida. In your most precious, holy name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
April 24, 2012
I have walked to Taco King and purchased coffee. It is good, was only a dollar, and just a 3 minute walk up the road. I am watching the Today show and preparing for devotions. I am in Azusa, California visiting with Bethany and her friends for a couple of days. I will meet with Scott Daniels at 11 am and through the morning will work on the Hebrews series prep, and some initial research on the Bonhoeffer-Wesley discipleship “Spring Training.” In the afternoon I will tend to the Taurus, and in the evening Bethany and I will drive to Mount Baldy for dinner.
James 2
Faith without good works is dead! If a person breaks one part of the law, that person will be judged guilty of the whole law (verse 10). These two concepts are huge for understanding the life of discipleship. Simply believing in God is not adequate (even the demons believe in God – verse 19). Faith in God must be accompanied by action that embodies the will of God, and shows mercy to others (verse 13).
Guide me today, most merciful God, as I live my faith with actions and deeds that embody your will and purposes for my life. Guide me on the path you have placed me, guard me from anything that would side track or derail me. Bless the worship planning team as they meet in my absence, and lead me as I plan the preaching series for May. In the blessed, holy name of Jesus. Amen.
James 2
Faith without good works is dead! If a person breaks one part of the law, that person will be judged guilty of the whole law (verse 10). These two concepts are huge for understanding the life of discipleship. Simply believing in God is not adequate (even the demons believe in God – verse 19). Faith in God must be accompanied by action that embodies the will of God, and shows mercy to others (verse 13).
Guide me today, most merciful God, as I live my faith with actions and deeds that embody your will and purposes for my life. Guide me on the path you have placed me, guard me from anything that would side track or derail me. Bless the worship planning team as they meet in my absence, and lead me as I plan the preaching series for May. In the blessed, holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
April 21, 2012
Finally, a frost! I have been expecting a frost for weeks, as the average last frost around here is April 15. It seems like we have not had a frost in 5-7 weeks. Beginning next week it will be safe to plant vegetation such as flowers and vegetables which cannot withstand frost. I had my first radishes from the garden last night, planted from seed a couple of months ago. This is the first year I have planted radishes and it is fulfilling to see them do so well. I also have planted cabbage from seed and they are doing okay. My tomatoes indoors have been up for about 3 weeks, but do not yet look very strong.
Today is Wesley’s mission blitz! It is the 5th year that we have aimed hundreds of people into the area to perform acts of kindness and to assist people in their need. There will be a house built in the parking lot today, and throughout 2 neighborhoods we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to construct, paint, repair and help dozens of families. Tomorrow we will celebrate the work in our worship services, and enjoy the MSU symphonic band.
Hebrews 13
This last chapter of Hebrews is packed with great advice, application and a summary of the theme of the book. Verses 1-6 emphasize practical love – expressed in hospitality (especially to strangers), remembering prisoners and people ill treated, fidelity in marriage, character free from the love of money (which diverts many people away from the holy love of God and neighbor). These verses will be my text on Mother’s day as I preach through this book in the month of May. It will be good for me to preach in an expository style for a series.
Verses 7-17 exhort the reader to “remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you… Obey your leaders, and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” If I were a superintendent I think I might use these verses as I supervised congregations and supported pastors in the work of the ministry. As a pastor of a large church, I can use this passage to support and encourage members of life groups and study groups to support their leaders.
Verses 18-25 wrap up the epistle to the Hebrews. These verses sound like what Paul would write, even though there is much debate as to who actually is the author of this epistle. Timothy is mentioned as being released (from jail?) Greetings are sent from Italy, and the final phrase is “Grace be with you all.” Yes Lord, may grace be the overriding characteristic of my life.
Today is Wesley’s mission blitz! It is the 5th year that we have aimed hundreds of people into the area to perform acts of kindness and to assist people in their need. There will be a house built in the parking lot today, and throughout 2 neighborhoods we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to construct, paint, repair and help dozens of families. Tomorrow we will celebrate the work in our worship services, and enjoy the MSU symphonic band.
Hebrews 13
This last chapter of Hebrews is packed with great advice, application and a summary of the theme of the book. Verses 1-6 emphasize practical love – expressed in hospitality (especially to strangers), remembering prisoners and people ill treated, fidelity in marriage, character free from the love of money (which diverts many people away from the holy love of God and neighbor). These verses will be my text on Mother’s day as I preach through this book in the month of May. It will be good for me to preach in an expository style for a series.
Verses 7-17 exhort the reader to “remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you… Obey your leaders, and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” If I were a superintendent I think I might use these verses as I supervised congregations and supported pastors in the work of the ministry. As a pastor of a large church, I can use this passage to support and encourage members of life groups and study groups to support their leaders.
Verses 18-25 wrap up the epistle to the Hebrews. These verses sound like what Paul would write, even though there is much debate as to who actually is the author of this epistle. Timothy is mentioned as being released (from jail?) Greetings are sent from Italy, and the final phrase is “Grace be with you all.” Yes Lord, may grace be the overriding characteristic of my life.
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 20, 2012
Mission blitz this weekend! Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Wesley UMC will field over 700 volunteers to serve as Christ’s hands and feet in the Springfield area. We will build a house on our parking lot, to be transported to the Heritage subdivision where Habitat is building a neighborhood. We will work at dozens of home sites through Brush with Kindness, a newer ministry of Habitat. I will be visiting the various sites, supporting in every way possible, and then finishing the day with a wedding at Wesley in the evening. On Sunday the MSU band will be in all 3 sanctuary services.
Hebrews 12
Following the great “hall of faith” chapter, this 12th chapter of Hebrews powerfully points the reader to Christ: “fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Verse 2) The writer summarizes chapter 11 and applies it to the current believer with this classic transition: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...”
As a runner I often meditate on this verse when I am on a long run, as fixing my thoughts on the finish is motivating to get through the tough parts. In this life I must regularly “fix my eyes on Jesus” and also remember those who have laid aside all the encumbrances in order to run with endurance the race. By considering what Christ endured, the believer is strengthened against growing weary and losing heart (verse 3). Reminding us that just as our earthly parents discipline us for our own good, so our heavenly Father disciplines us “that we may share his holiness.” (Verse 10). “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet…” (Verse 11)
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Verses 28-29) Yes Lord, may my life today be an offering of acceptable service with reverence and awe, as I run the race that is set before me, pastoring Wesley here in the Ozarks. I seek to run the race with perseverance, casting off anything that would keep me from your perfect will and purposes. Use me to lead and inspire others as I follow You alone. Guard me from anything that would distract me from your way, your truth, your light.
Hebrews 12
Following the great “hall of faith” chapter, this 12th chapter of Hebrews powerfully points the reader to Christ: “fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Verse 2) The writer summarizes chapter 11 and applies it to the current believer with this classic transition: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...”
As a runner I often meditate on this verse when I am on a long run, as fixing my thoughts on the finish is motivating to get through the tough parts. In this life I must regularly “fix my eyes on Jesus” and also remember those who have laid aside all the encumbrances in order to run with endurance the race. By considering what Christ endured, the believer is strengthened against growing weary and losing heart (verse 3). Reminding us that just as our earthly parents discipline us for our own good, so our heavenly Father disciplines us “that we may share his holiness.” (Verse 10). “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet…” (Verse 11)
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Verses 28-29) Yes Lord, may my life today be an offering of acceptable service with reverence and awe, as I run the race that is set before me, pastoring Wesley here in the Ozarks. I seek to run the race with perseverance, casting off anything that would keep me from your perfect will and purposes. Use me to lead and inspire others as I follow You alone. Guard me from anything that would distract me from your way, your truth, your light.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)