On this mission choir trip my journaling is by hand in the bound journal similar to the ones given to each participant. Following is a transcription from yesterday:
Tuesday, 8:20 am Burlington, W. Virginia; I am well-rested, well-fed, and have enjoyed a cup of coffee. Revelation 17 has given me a vision of the woman, the whore of Babylon, drunk in the blood of the saints. This violence of the end times reminds me of Hitler and the horrors of WWII – unimaginable, but so real. The life I live is so much easier then this which is described – but could turn horrific at any juncture. I desire to make every moment count, not waste a single moment.
11:30 am Amphitheater- Our crew finished at the playground in about 45 minutes, and now we are here at the amphitheater on the grounds of the Burlington campus. The project is a ramp, but is slow getting started. I will lead a painting project this afternoon in 2 offices. Most of our kids are not engaged, and they are being patient. Finding enough work is always a challenge for a host site.
9:00 pm After dinner – Mark and I drove the church bus to Keysor (20 minutes) and picked up the catered order of chicken, potatoes, mac and cheese and cole slaw from KFC. The shift manager could not figure out how to ring up 210 chicken strips, so she attempted to do this one at a time. After waiting for this process for about 30 minutes, she finally called a manager and figured out a better way. Upon serving the chicken strips to the kids, we realized we were shorted. I called and spoke to the shift manager, who said that there was a pan they forgot to give us. I asked if they could bring it to us, and they refused. Rev. Rich Hogg, our host, offered to drive me there in his Jeep Liberty to retrieve them, which we did. I convinced the manager to throw in some chocolate cakes, which she reluctantly did.
10:00 pm Group worship and devotions – We are assembled in the large gym where we sleep, and as is our evening custom, are circled up with three students leading a time of singing, with most of the students worshiping in great sincerity and truly praising God for his goodness, surrendering their lives through the words of the songs to his purposes. Julie continues to teach on the prodigal son. Tonight the phrase “he began to be in need.” Sin promises more than it delivers – it takes us further afield than we ever intended to go, and the father waits for us to return. His grace is there before we realize it. The prodigal began to feel the need…
11:30 pm As we start heading to bed, I took possession of the Frisbee and soccer ball that were about to be the evening recreation. Julie had instructed us to proceed from family groups to bed with a sense of quiet meditation. I have helped that process along. It has been a good day.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
May 25, 2012
Today we leave on the youth choir mission tour! Tonight we stop in Indianapolis and tomorrow night we arrive in Burlington, West Virginia. I am packed and ready for this adventure. During these quiet moments I will read from Revelation and listen for God’s nudging.
Revelation 13
John sees a beast coming out of the sea with 10 horns and 7 heads. It resembled a leopard but had feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. (Verses 1-2) Many people have speculated what the symbolism here means. This morning I will not guess at what it means, but as I read this chapter I realize that there will be cataclysmic power and control on earth by the beast and the dragon, at war with the lamb. There will be a system whereby no one can buy or sell without the number of the beast on right hand or forehead (a bar code or chip implanted?) “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666. (Verse 18)
It is so peaceful out my door this morning, in this quiet neighborhood, with order and rule of law that is fair and well-administered. I realize that in many parts of the world today there is chaos and rule of might with wicked people taking advantage of weaker and vulnerable people. This vision of the beast and the dragon gives the reader a glimpse into the conflict at the end of life as we know it. Hitler and World War II came close to embodying a government ruled by a beast. As we study history we know that there is the possibility of horrific leaders.
Yesterday was another very good day of ministry. I met at the church for prayer, then had a good meeting with one of our pastors. I visited the hospital, shared lunch with the team of leaders who prepared and executed the Mission Blitz. In the afternoon I spoke with a person with relational difficulties, and then met with a bride and groom and another pastor about their upcoming wedding. In the evening I mowed the lawn, packed, fixed a leaking toilet, and prepared to travel with the choir tour. The availability of internet and time to blog might be restricted on this trip, I will try to keep up this daily practice, but it might be somewhat intermittent.
Guide me Holy Lord, today and each day of this journey. I look forward to walking with you in community with the youth and adults on this trip. My hope is in You, and I believe in the things that I cannot see. Increase my faith today and each day, Holy Lord.
Revelation 13
John sees a beast coming out of the sea with 10 horns and 7 heads. It resembled a leopard but had feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. (Verses 1-2) Many people have speculated what the symbolism here means. This morning I will not guess at what it means, but as I read this chapter I realize that there will be cataclysmic power and control on earth by the beast and the dragon, at war with the lamb. There will be a system whereby no one can buy or sell without the number of the beast on right hand or forehead (a bar code or chip implanted?) “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666. (Verse 18)
It is so peaceful out my door this morning, in this quiet neighborhood, with order and rule of law that is fair and well-administered. I realize that in many parts of the world today there is chaos and rule of might with wicked people taking advantage of weaker and vulnerable people. This vision of the beast and the dragon gives the reader a glimpse into the conflict at the end of life as we know it. Hitler and World War II came close to embodying a government ruled by a beast. As we study history we know that there is the possibility of horrific leaders.
Yesterday was another very good day of ministry. I met at the church for prayer, then had a good meeting with one of our pastors. I visited the hospital, shared lunch with the team of leaders who prepared and executed the Mission Blitz. In the afternoon I spoke with a person with relational difficulties, and then met with a bride and groom and another pastor about their upcoming wedding. In the evening I mowed the lawn, packed, fixed a leaking toilet, and prepared to travel with the choir tour. The availability of internet and time to blog might be restricted on this trip, I will try to keep up this daily practice, but it might be somewhat intermittent.
Guide me Holy Lord, today and each day of this journey. I look forward to walking with you in community with the youth and adults on this trip. My hope is in You, and I believe in the things that I cannot see. Increase my faith today and each day, Holy Lord.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
The writer John describes an incredible vision in Revelation chapter 12 – He sees a woman in heaven, “clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child… Another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems.” (Verses 1-3) The remainder of the chapter describes the struggles, in heaven and on earth between the dragon, the woman, God and the earth.
After the dragon was thrown out of heaven, John hears a loud voice in heaven saying: “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) I find this description of Satan, the personification of evil to be very helpful- “the accuser of our brethren” as there seems to be so many instances of the negative voice, the reminder of guilt that is unhealthy and unproductive which come straight from Satan.
Reading Revelation a chapter a day is a wild experience! Life is pretty calm and placid around here, and I know that underneath the apparent peace there is great spiritual conflict, and I am reminded of this as I read this last book of the Bible. I want to live fully aware and engaged in all that is going on. It is a matter of faith for me to believe that God will guide me and keep me in the balance of awareness and perfect peace. Guard me from naiveté most Holy Lord. Lead me in thy righteousness. Use me as a servant leader to bear fruit during this brief life on earth, as I anticipate eternity in your presence.
Yesterday we had very good executive staff meeting, followed by other meetings including the Alpha steering committee and the final new member class. In that class I was privileged to lead in a time of commitment and special prayer around receiving and reaffirming the salvation and Lordship of Christ. I also spoke briefly to the choir inviting them to the Wesley Leadership experience. In the middle of the afternoon I completed a biannual flight review and the instructor signed me off for another 2 years of being an active private pilot.
My new Droid Razor Max was delivered yesterday, and I have successfully activated it. However, I do not yet have access to my contacts or previous text messages, which I hope to resolve today with a trip to the Verizon store. I have been trying this morning to get online information, to no avail. I have an unsettling feeling whenever I switch devices, that I might permanently lose information, or pictures, etc. Usually it works out. I can live with this unsettled feeling, it is part of change. I wish everything stayed the same and I did not have to learn new devices or transfer data. Life is always changing. It is good for me to experience these feelings about change, as they happen in every area, and most people have negative or resistant feelings about change.
After the dragon was thrown out of heaven, John hears a loud voice in heaven saying: “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) I find this description of Satan, the personification of evil to be very helpful- “the accuser of our brethren” as there seems to be so many instances of the negative voice, the reminder of guilt that is unhealthy and unproductive which come straight from Satan.
Reading Revelation a chapter a day is a wild experience! Life is pretty calm and placid around here, and I know that underneath the apparent peace there is great spiritual conflict, and I am reminded of this as I read this last book of the Bible. I want to live fully aware and engaged in all that is going on. It is a matter of faith for me to believe that God will guide me and keep me in the balance of awareness and perfect peace. Guard me from naiveté most Holy Lord. Lead me in thy righteousness. Use me as a servant leader to bear fruit during this brief life on earth, as I anticipate eternity in your presence.
Yesterday we had very good executive staff meeting, followed by other meetings including the Alpha steering committee and the final new member class. In that class I was privileged to lead in a time of commitment and special prayer around receiving and reaffirming the salvation and Lordship of Christ. I also spoke briefly to the choir inviting them to the Wesley Leadership experience. In the middle of the afternoon I completed a biannual flight review and the instructor signed me off for another 2 years of being an active private pilot.
My new Droid Razor Max was delivered yesterday, and I have successfully activated it. However, I do not yet have access to my contacts or previous text messages, which I hope to resolve today with a trip to the Verizon store. I have been trying this morning to get online information, to no avail. I have an unsettling feeling whenever I switch devices, that I might permanently lose information, or pictures, etc. Usually it works out. I can live with this unsettled feeling, it is part of change. I wish everything stayed the same and I did not have to learn new devices or transfer data. Life is always changing. It is good for me to experience these feelings about change, as they happen in every area, and most people have negative or resistant feelings about change.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
May 23, 2012
The two witnesses are given authority and they prophecy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11) “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Verses 3-4) The beast will overcome them and kill them, and their bodied will lie in full view of the peoples, tribes and nations, and they will not be permitted to be buried. After 3 ½ days the breath of God will come into them and they will stand on their feet, and great fear will fall upon those who are watching them. (Verses 7-11)
I remember reading this chapter as a teenager and wondering if I would see this event in my lifetime, and wondering who these two witnesses might be. I still wonder these same things. With the invention of the television, and now the internet, worldwide viewing of dead bodies is possible. Two people prophesying with power would attract much attention, especially if they opposed that which is politically correct, and the powers of the world. Conjecturing who and when this might be should be done with much caution.
Today will be a full day of ministry with our executive staff meeting this morning, lunch with staff, a meeting, and then tonight the new member class and the Alpha planning team. I will take a break in the afternoon to take my biannual flight review with an instructor John Savage. This will authorize me to fly for two more years. I have a flight medical scheduled for June 4. There is a new Droid Razor Max headed my way, arriving by UPS sometime today. I look forward to setting it up. Last evening I finished the oil change on the motorcycle, analyzed the fuel leak, and pondered how to address it. I am leaning to taking it to a motorcycle mechanic and also having him mount the two tires I have acquired. Then it should be good for the summer riding season. I also replaced the garage door switch and began to fill the wading pool we set up on Monday. This morning one of our toilets has failed to stop running, and I will replace the valve tonight or tomorrow. As I anticipate being gone on the choir tour for 9 days I am trying to get as much completed as possible.
Guide me today, most holy Lord. May I speak your message of hope and forgiveness, and also bear witness to your power even as it is not seen by the world, and the message of your judgment is not welcome. Give me the diligence and wisdom to lead and serve.
I remember reading this chapter as a teenager and wondering if I would see this event in my lifetime, and wondering who these two witnesses might be. I still wonder these same things. With the invention of the television, and now the internet, worldwide viewing of dead bodies is possible. Two people prophesying with power would attract much attention, especially if they opposed that which is politically correct, and the powers of the world. Conjecturing who and when this might be should be done with much caution.
Today will be a full day of ministry with our executive staff meeting this morning, lunch with staff, a meeting, and then tonight the new member class and the Alpha planning team. I will take a break in the afternoon to take my biannual flight review with an instructor John Savage. This will authorize me to fly for two more years. I have a flight medical scheduled for June 4. There is a new Droid Razor Max headed my way, arriving by UPS sometime today. I look forward to setting it up. Last evening I finished the oil change on the motorcycle, analyzed the fuel leak, and pondered how to address it. I am leaning to taking it to a motorcycle mechanic and also having him mount the two tires I have acquired. Then it should be good for the summer riding season. I also replaced the garage door switch and began to fill the wading pool we set up on Monday. This morning one of our toilets has failed to stop running, and I will replace the valve tonight or tomorrow. As I anticipate being gone on the choir tour for 9 days I am trying to get as much completed as possible.
Guide me today, most holy Lord. May I speak your message of hope and forgiveness, and also bear witness to your power even as it is not seen by the world, and the message of your judgment is not welcome. Give me the diligence and wisdom to lead and serve.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
May 22, 2012
Today is the one-year anniversary of the Joplin Tornado. Last night President Obama spoke at their high school commencement. It was a Sunday last year, and I took a picture of a gorgeous double rainbow over our house during that stormy late afternoon. At the time I had no idea of the death and devastation which had just occurred 70 miles to the west.
Yesterday I had a good day of chores and tasks around the house. Audrey and I went for a 3 mile walk. I mowed the back lawn, changed the oil in the Explorer and was working on the Concours when I realized I did not have an oil filter for it. I spent a fair amount of time upgrading my Droid. There is a Droid Razor Max on its way to my door, to arrive by tomorrow night. I look forward to its 4 G speed and long battery life. Audrey and I had pizza and watched the movie “Rainmaker” recorded on our TV.
Revelation 10
John sees “another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; There are 7 peals of thunder which spoke, and as John was about to write down what they said he heard a voice from heaven forbidding him to write, saying “seal up the things which the 7 peals of thunder have spoken, and do not write them.” What a mystery this is! I can only imagine what might have been said and then sealed up.
In verses 8 and 9 – “and the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, ‘Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land…take it, and eat it…” There is a similar occurrence in Jeremiah 15:16 in which he is praying and he says to God “Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” In this NASB Bible that Audrey gave me to celebrate our engagement on July 17, 1982 I have written by this passage in Jeremiah “I desire to do this on a daily basis 8-30-83.” In the intervening 29 years I have daily experienced God’s words as a joy and the delight of my heart.
Guide me today, most holy One as I lead and serve You as pastor here in Springfield. May your word continue to lead, guide, empower, inform and order my life and witness during this short earthly life.
Yesterday I had a good day of chores and tasks around the house. Audrey and I went for a 3 mile walk. I mowed the back lawn, changed the oil in the Explorer and was working on the Concours when I realized I did not have an oil filter for it. I spent a fair amount of time upgrading my Droid. There is a Droid Razor Max on its way to my door, to arrive by tomorrow night. I look forward to its 4 G speed and long battery life. Audrey and I had pizza and watched the movie “Rainmaker” recorded on our TV.
Revelation 10
John sees “another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; There are 7 peals of thunder which spoke, and as John was about to write down what they said he heard a voice from heaven forbidding him to write, saying “seal up the things which the 7 peals of thunder have spoken, and do not write them.” What a mystery this is! I can only imagine what might have been said and then sealed up.
In verses 8 and 9 – “and the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, ‘Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land…take it, and eat it…” There is a similar occurrence in Jeremiah 15:16 in which he is praying and he says to God “Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” In this NASB Bible that Audrey gave me to celebrate our engagement on July 17, 1982 I have written by this passage in Jeremiah “I desire to do this on a daily basis 8-30-83.” In the intervening 29 years I have daily experienced God’s words as a joy and the delight of my heart.
Guide me today, most holy One as I lead and serve You as pastor here in Springfield. May your word continue to lead, guide, empower, inform and order my life and witness during this short earthly life.
Monday, May 21, 2012
May 21, 2012
The fifth angel opened the bottomless pit(Revelation 9: 1-11)from which locusts came with power given them to torment people who did not have the seal of God upon their foreheads. They have as a king over them the angel of the abyss whose name is Abaddon, or in Greek Apollyon.
The sixth angel sets free 4 angels who were bound at the great river Euphrates. These four angels were prepared to kill a third of mankind. There was a 200 million man cavalry on horses from which proceed fire and smoke and brimstone. The conclusion of the chapter: “And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.” (Verse 20-21)
This chapter has wild imagery. It is hard to interpret. Reading it I have a sense of the end of the world, and technology is part of it. People who worship idols and refuse to repent of their immorality are headed for judgment. I see the world spiraling in that direction, with Jesus Christ as the only hope.
Today will be a beautiful day of weather, and I will carefully use this day off to recharge my batteries, and to prepare for the 9 day youth choir trip (May 25 – June 2). I need to replace my Droid X phone, as I am eligible for a new one, and having dropped this one, the screen is slowing bleeding out. I will choose between the Droid Razor, and the beefier battery version. I do not look forward to the time this will take, nor to the hassle of negotiating with the Verizon folks about my account. (I will explore some options online.) I will exercise today, change the oil in the Explorer and Concours, mow the back lawn, and tidy up my study. Audrey and I will also sit down and plan our schedule for July, how we might best use the time away.
Last night I attended a meeting of youth and their parents who are going on the Choir Mission trip. It was a good meeting, and I am looking forward to this trip. My goal is to journey with our youth and adult sponsors in a way that allows me to get to know them, and for them to get to know me. It has not been easy to clear my calendar for these 9 days, but since I have been planning it for months, I have been able to keep these days clear of appointments and commitments.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I take sabbath from the daily work of pastoring. May this day allow my mind, heart, soul and body to be refreshed and renewed. I look forward to walking with You each step of the way.
The sixth angel sets free 4 angels who were bound at the great river Euphrates. These four angels were prepared to kill a third of mankind. There was a 200 million man cavalry on horses from which proceed fire and smoke and brimstone. The conclusion of the chapter: “And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.” (Verse 20-21)
This chapter has wild imagery. It is hard to interpret. Reading it I have a sense of the end of the world, and technology is part of it. People who worship idols and refuse to repent of their immorality are headed for judgment. I see the world spiraling in that direction, with Jesus Christ as the only hope.
Today will be a beautiful day of weather, and I will carefully use this day off to recharge my batteries, and to prepare for the 9 day youth choir trip (May 25 – June 2). I need to replace my Droid X phone, as I am eligible for a new one, and having dropped this one, the screen is slowing bleeding out. I will choose between the Droid Razor, and the beefier battery version. I do not look forward to the time this will take, nor to the hassle of negotiating with the Verizon folks about my account. (I will explore some options online.) I will exercise today, change the oil in the Explorer and Concours, mow the back lawn, and tidy up my study. Audrey and I will also sit down and plan our schedule for July, how we might best use the time away.
Last night I attended a meeting of youth and their parents who are going on the Choir Mission trip. It was a good meeting, and I am looking forward to this trip. My goal is to journey with our youth and adult sponsors in a way that allows me to get to know them, and for them to get to know me. It has not been easy to clear my calendar for these 9 days, but since I have been planning it for months, I have been able to keep these days clear of appointments and commitments.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I take sabbath from the daily work of pastoring. May this day allow my mind, heart, soul and body to be refreshed and renewed. I look forward to walking with You each step of the way.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
May 20, 2012
“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest …” This morning in all four worship services we will fully consider the rest that is promised, which is a new and improved rest, better than the rest of the garden of Eden, the promised land, or even of the Sabbath. I just experienced a night of good rest (including a dream about going to a new dentist, with all the complications of not knowing my way around). There are so many people in the church who mirror the Hebrews addressed in the epistle who have not entered the rest promised by God.
Hebrews 4
In addition to the teaching on rest, and the Biblical thread from Eden to Eternity, verse 12 is a great commentary on the power of scripture: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” I have experienced the living power of God’s word in my life, and I desire to preach it, teach it, and demonstrate it by living it every day. As I prepare to head out with our youth choir for 8 days, I am looking forward to living my faith in the presence of community, and sharing together the word of God, receiving as well as giving examples.
Guide me today, most holy Lord, as I have the privilege of pastoring your flock called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri. Use my words, my countenance, my thoughts and responses to bring you glory and to minister to people. Fill me today with your Spirit to overflowing. Bless the family of Ed Powlishta as they celebrate his funeral in Troy, Missouri.
Hebrews 4
In addition to the teaching on rest, and the Biblical thread from Eden to Eternity, verse 12 is a great commentary on the power of scripture: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” I have experienced the living power of God’s word in my life, and I desire to preach it, teach it, and demonstrate it by living it every day. As I prepare to head out with our youth choir for 8 days, I am looking forward to living my faith in the presence of community, and sharing together the word of God, receiving as well as giving examples.
Guide me today, most holy Lord, as I have the privilege of pastoring your flock called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri. Use my words, my countenance, my thoughts and responses to bring you glory and to minister to people. Fill me today with your Spirit to overflowing. Bless the family of Ed Powlishta as they celebrate his funeral in Troy, Missouri.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)