August 31, 2012

It has been dry so long that this rain seems unusual, wonderful, blessed, and fulfilling. In 1988 I moved to a farming area and lived in Wellsville. I learned the difference between hay and straw. I also learned that in the Bible when Jesus said (Mat 5:45) that “The Father sends rains on the righteous and the unrighteous,” he meant that the rain was a blessing, not that he ruined the day of both the just and the unjust. Growing up in suburban environments, weathermen always spoke of rain as ruining outdoor plans. The two delightful years I spent in Wellsville helped me to greatly appreciate rain and its value in replenishing the earth. Proverbs 3 (Upper Room devotional is especially good today – Aging Gracefully) This chapter starts with the admonition “do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;” It is always wise to remember God’s teaching and commandments, and it is always easy to forget and turn away to the enticement of the world. The chapter continues: For length of days and years of life, and peace they will add to you.” (Verse 2) Elmer Dickson wrote today’s devotional in the Upper Room, and he tells of growing old and “doing for others what God, in love, has done for us. We age well, by God’s grace, as we allow the redeeming love of Christ to shape us and flow through us to others.” I agree totally! This is a great reminder to me this morning. Yesterday I worked hard on my sermon for Sunday, and also handled correspondence along with interactions throughout the day at the office. In the evening at home I changed the oil in both the LHS and the Kawasaki. I ended the evening with a 25 minute walk in the moonlight, enjoying the fresh air and raising my total steps on my pedometer to 5800 (still 1200 short of the daily ideal.) Today I will be at the office, preparing and working on Sunday’s message, and also the two upcoming series “Balancing Justice and Kindness – Walking Humbly with God during an election year” and “Thirsting for More – Prayer, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness.” I will also reach out today to a couple of people who are living on the edge – of poverty, crime and recovery. God, this is a new day. I freshly commit myself to the role you have invited me to play, as you are building your church in this world. I am awestruck again today that you include me in this grand life-giving, world-transforming endeavor. So today I joyfully offer you: My love; my heart; my talents; my energy; my creativity; my faithfulness; my resources; and my gratitude I commit all of myself to the role you have assigned me in the building of your church so that it may thrive in this world. And I will “bring it” today. I will bring my best. You deserve it. Your church deserves it. It is the Hope of the World. (Prayer from the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit)

August 30, 2012

Work for the night is coming. This line from a Gospel song is on my mind, as I sit here at this early hour in my home study, preparing for this day of ministry. I am preaching about work on Sunday, and I am thinking about the work I do – writing, preparing, visiting, planning, discerning, counseling, coaching, etc. I am thinking about the work I will do – until I die. I will coach and encourage pastors and churches. I will make friends of people at the margin of society. I will write devotionaly and autobiographically. I have not posted a blog in 6 days because of the computer problems with my laptop. It is not completely fixed, but I have learned how to work around its stubborn reluctance to connect with the internet. Matthew 11 (from Upper Room selection for today) In this chapter Jesus addresses the questions from John’s disciples, and he began to reproach the cities in which most of his miracles were done, because they did not repent (verses 20). In verse 25 the gospel records one of Jesus’ prayers: “I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes…” The last three verses are profound, teachable, comforting and inviting: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light.” (28-30) These verses also have direct application to my message for Sunday on work. Another thought related to my sermon on Sunday is the theme from the movie October Sky, where one boy escapes the trap of coal mining with his interest in rockets. I also want to look up the quote my dad had in the basement bathroom about work – it went something like do the work you enjoy – write, paint, garden even if you do not make much money – etc. Guide me today in my work, most Holy Lord. I freely take your yoke, learn from you, and I have found rest for my soul. Thank you for your yoke which is easy and your burden which is light. I want to do the best job possible as pastor of Wesley, as chair of the conference BOM, as husband, father, friend, disciple, follower, servant leader today. I have pulled from my shelf Robert Coleman’s The Master Plan of Discipleship, 1987, and read his introduction. This is basically a study of the book of Acts, looking to see how the early church followed the great commission given by Jesus to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” I agree with Coleman that making disciples should be at the heart of what we do, and it is stated as such in our mission statement of Wesley: "to develop more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.” I might use some of Coleman’s ideas as I lead the Igniting Leaders session on Sept 8.

August 24, 2012

I awoke at 5:30 and got up, with good energy. The problematic coffee maker cooperated and made 10 cups without overflowing. I went outside and got the paper, taking a bag of trash out. I noted that I successfully reprogrammed our in-ground lawn sprinkling system to eliminate Fridays, now it will water only twice a week, and I probably should go to once a week, early Sunday morning. The paper says that the Springfield water reserves are down to 63.8 percent. On Saturday and Sunday it is predicted we will get about an inch of rain, thus I should override my program and not water on Sunday morning. Tropical storm Isaac is churning in the gulf, threatening to impact the Republican National Convention which opens in Tampa on Monday. If the storm tracks westwardly, we might get additional moisture later next week. I write the above paragraph as a sample of my morning thoughts and activities on this pretty regular Friday in August. Yesterday was a good day, with work at the office morning and afternoon (sermon preparation, planning, recording a computer message, etc) and then in the evening visiting the preschool open house and stepping into several classrooms, meeting a few parents before attending the Disciple Bible Study coffee and dessert rally. At home I made a phone call to a pastor who requested my call, and we chatted until almost 10 about issues at his church. At 4:30 I ran 4 miles averaging 10:12 a mile, which built upon the 5 mile run with Bill on Tuesday. Today is a blank slate. I have been up an hour. I look forward to more sermon writing, plus some development of messages and themes into the fall, along with some preparation for the Spring Training material that I will begin piloting with our staff next week. Proverbs 24 (corresponding with today’s date) For my devotional reading of scripture I sometimes simply turn to the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month, which is what I have done today. As I read this Proverb, I observe that in verse 2 the topic is wisdom applied to developing one’s household: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” I am thankful for the 30 years that Audrey and I have invested in establishing our home, and the wisdom and knowledge God has given us. Verse 27 contains an admonition to “prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.” This reminds me that outside, where the work of one’s hands produces fruit, where one’s daily labor establishes a means of income is a priority, comes before developing ones comforts, conveniences and rest. Audrey and I have followed this suggested pattern, as she developing her teaching career, and I developed my accounting career and then my seminary preparation before we met, and thus we had “prepared our work outside” before we established our home. I am thankful for this piece of wisdom, and the application she and I have made. Verses 30-34 are a most interesting section. It is very fulfilling to read them on a morning that I have arisen at 5:30, and following a day like yesterday full of meaningful work. The theme of these 5 verses is the observation of the field and vineyard of a lazy man who lacks common sense. It is all grown over with weeds and the stone wall is broken down. The owner has not attended to details, and has not performed the hard and boring work of eliminating weeds and repairing walls. The conclusion is “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, then your poverty will come as a robber, and your want like an armed man.” Lord, lead me today to attend to the details in the field of pastoral work to which you have appointed me. Guard me from laziness and justifying excessive rest. Help me to prioritize the work I must do to be the most fruitful husband, father, pastor I can be. I am yours, I love your church, use me in advancing your kingdom and not my comfort today. Increase my wisdom as I live out the incarnational life of servant leadership here and now.

August 21, 2012

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.” (Psalm 1, verses 1-2) This is one of my favorite Psalms. It speaks to issues in the parable of the prodigal son. This Psalm is precious to me because I understand the need for moisture (Verses 3-4 contrast those who delight in the law of God with trees planted along a riverbank with the wicked who “are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.”) I also delight in the law of the Lord, the word of God, and I meditate on it day and night.

I will be getting a new Bible delivered from Amazon this week – The New Inductive Study Bible. I bought one for Audrey last week which she is using in teaching the College Sunday school class. I love God’s word, and teaching/preaching from it is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am already looking forward to the preparation and presentation of this coming week’s sermon on the son who stayed home and was resentful of his father’s unconditional love.

I am awake and energized this morning for the work of pastoring. I will write my pastor’s pen, plan agendas for tomorrow’s meetings, develop the 9:30 worship task force, etc. At noon I will run 5 miles with Bill, make visits in the afternoon, and share dinner with a couple. Yesterday I made 6 take offs and landings in the Cherokee, rode the Kawasaki 38 miles, moved some furniture at home, mowed the lawn and finished the day reading and working on tasks at my desk.

I am reading Healthy Disclosure by Ruth and McClintock, a required read for the boundaries seminar for pastors which I will attend on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. It is interesting and informative, and important topics for all pastors to review and remember. On pages 240-241 there is a great chart of who should know what kind of information. I am considering having some of the Wesley Leaders read this book, in addition to the three pastors who are already doing so. I am interested to see if there are practical suggestions about curbing gossip, which used to be more rampant at Wesley than it is now.

For the two page paper required to be written before attending this workshop, I think for the first topic I will us the comparison of “private” and “secret”. I have long lifted up the difference between appropriate confidential info and inappropriate secrets. Chapter 2 gives several examples.

Guide me today, most Holy, loving Lord. I will follow your advice, and I look forward to the yield of fruit that You will bring to my life and ministry today, this week, and during the upcoming seasons of my life.

So today I joyfully offer you:

My love; my heart; my talents; my energy; my creativity; my faithfulness; my resources; and my gratitude

I commit all of myself to the role you have assigned me in the building of your church so that it may thrive in this world. So be it Lord!

August 19, 2012

The lost son comes home, the loving father welcomes him, the older brother is resentful. This morning we will consider one of Jesus’ most famous parables, and the artist Rembrandt’s famous painting of the moment the son returns. (Luke 15)

I am looking forward to all that God has in store for us today at Wesley United Methodist Church. Our youth are waking up under the stars on their float trip, and all over the world lost sons and daughters are waking up to the good news that their heavenly father is waiting for them to return, and the church will rejoice with them as they turn for home!

Guide us today most Holy Lord as a faith community that welcomes lost sons and daughters. Guide me as a pastor who serves You by shepherding this flock.

August 18, 2012

It is mid August and the temperature is in the mid 50s – what a treat! This morning Audrey and I will attend the Upward Pancake breakfast and support that fund raising effort. Today our youth will gather at an Ozark river for their annual float trip. I would love to participate with them, and I know that given the work I have to do on Sunday, I cannot float all day on Saturday and have sufficient energy for ministry on Sunday.

Luke 15:11-20 (Sunday’s text)

I read this familiar scripture with a desire to absorb its truths, its feelings, its deepest meaning. The first 9 verses of Luke 15 are Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, both of which were searched for and when found there was rejoicing! This third parable is about a lost son, a loving father, and a jealous brother. Rembrandt, near the end of his life, painted a large oil picture of the scene at the point where the prodigal son has returned to his father. It beautifully captures so much of the meaning of Jesus’ parable.

I did not demand my inheritance and leave. I was an only child of my mother, the third child of my father. My nature is to be a compliant person. But in my heart I have felt the desire to abandon all that is familiar for the adventure and risk resembling the prodigal’s experience. I know several people who have experienced that turning away from family and familiarity only to lose everything.

My personal experience is more like the older brother, who in Rembrandt’s painting is next to the father, but in the shadows. He is the dutiful one, the one who stayed on the farm, worked hard, and had built up resentments toward both his father and his brother. I have been tempted to resent those who have left the faith family, gone away in loose living, and have come back to great fanfare. However, beyond those temptations I have experienced personally God’s grace and mercy with me, a sinner, and a joy at the return of anyone who repents and seeks to kneel before the father.

As I think about the parables of Jesus, the top three that come to mind are this one, the prodigal son, the good samaritan, and the log in one’s eye. His parables are rich and deep, and worthy of great consideration.

Today I will work on this sermon (I was privileged to officiate at two funerals this week, each with a message to deliver and thus I am writing more of my sermon today than on Thursday or Friday.) After the pancake breakfast I will also work around the house and yard, including barbequing some beef from Sam’s club that Pastor Jerry has been buying on sale. There are at least 3 people with whom I will follow up with a phone call today.

Guide me Holy Father as I serve in your fields with joy. I join You in watching for returning prodigals, and I look forward to all the celebrations that we share in the family of faith. Guard my heart from sin; guide my steps, my expressions, my thoughts, my actions, my thinking, my writing, my preparation. Protect and guide Bethany today as she finishes up a walking tour of Paris with a friend, and prepares to board a jet bound for Los Angeles tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

August 16, 2012

Our family room is empty, awaiting the new sofas which will be delivered today. I am sitting on the wicker sofa on the deck, enjoying the quiet of the morning as the light of the sun gradually falls upon the houses on Fox Hollow Dr. I ran 2 miles last night, with great effort and a slow pace. It had been 20 days since I last ran, the Friday we left St. Pete Beach. The fever knocked me out for a week, and though I have worked out at the gym three times during the 20 days, my body is still recovering. The human body is such an interesting instrument.

Psalm 139

David writes about in this prayer about how God has searched him and intimately knows him – not only his physical sitting and rising, but also his thoughts. He acknowledges that God formed his inward parts, weaving him together in his mother’s womb. His prayer has become the prayer of many, including me when he says in verse 14 “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made… Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” This Psalm give great honor to the divine creation of the human body and also the personal knowledge God has of each of His sons and daughters.

The Psalm takes an interesting turn in verse 19 as David asks God to slay the wicked, stating that he hates those who hate God, taking His name in vain. I will ponder what this means for me in 2012 living in the Ozarks, seeking to win people who are currently apart from God to accepting His love and yielding to His Spirit.

David closes this Psalm with two verses of prayer (23-24) which I will make my own prayer this morning:

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there by any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Yes most Holy Lord.