It is the last day of November, Audrey’s favorite month. How did it evaporate so fast? What will December hold? Are all the months passing more rapidly as I age? I will seek to invest this last day of November in the healthiest way possible. My schedule has had a steady dose of meetings this week, all of them good and fruitful sessions of planning, preparation and supervision. Today my schedule will allow me to write Sunday’s message, catch up on the work stacked up on my desk, and make a couple of hospital visits. I do so enjoy the work of being a pastor, and it is a heavy responsibility. Tomorrow the men have their December meeting and the women have their Christmas party, as the Upward basketball season kicks off its first games tonight and tomorrow. Tomorrow evening we will attend the clergy district Christmas party at the Republic UMC.
John 12
Jesus explains to his disciples that “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.” (Verses 24-25) As the month of November comes to a close, and the holiday month of December dawns tomorrow, I am very aware that if I love with possessiveness this life, I will lose it, and if I give away my life in this world I will keep it to life eternal. This is a great mystery, and a profound truth.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
November 28, 2012
Today we will host the funeral of Gene Myers who died last Tuesday morning. Gene was a faithful member of Wesley and president of the Friendship Sunday School class.
Romans 14: (especially 10-12)
The theme of this chapter revolves around not condemning others for doing what you deem to be not appropriate. As Paul writes this, he is referring to Christians who have decided not to eat meat, or not to drink wine, or not to celebrate certain holy days for spiritual reasons. He ends the chapter by saying “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Verses 22-23) In the margin of my Bible I noted “at age 50 I committed to no beverage alcohol for this reason.”
To summarize the teaching of this chapter I would conclude that Paul is encouraging believers to develop strong convictions about how they practice the faith, and at the same time to be careful not to judge the carefully discerned practices of others who are seeking to faithfully live out their lives before God. The Amish decided not to use automobiles or electricity. In verse 14 Paul says “I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” So, whatever a person has given up or taken on in devotion to Jesus Christ, that person should be fully convinced of the practice, and not judge those who have through faith adopted a different practice. In his essay on The Character of a Methodist, John Wesley concludes by writing “Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God.”
It is important for every believer to be careful in daily living and in spiritual disciplines. As the pastoral leader of a large faith community I am careful to attend to the personal spiritual practices which I have discerned, and I am very conscious of the different ways believers practice faithful living. Guide me today most Holy Lord as I live unto you, for whether I live or die I am yours. May my life shine as a beacon in a dark world.
Near Republic there is a house on fire in which a family of 6 escaped around 3 am this morning. The same family had a fire in the same house 5 years ago. The local news affiliate had graphic film of the house ablaze with firefighters from surrounding departments fighting it. I imagine what it is like for those men and women on this very cold morning to get the alarm at 3 am and arrive on the scene. There is also a fire in north Springfield this morning. I am praying for all who involved in these emergencies.
Romans 14: (especially 10-12)
The theme of this chapter revolves around not condemning others for doing what you deem to be not appropriate. As Paul writes this, he is referring to Christians who have decided not to eat meat, or not to drink wine, or not to celebrate certain holy days for spiritual reasons. He ends the chapter by saying “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Verses 22-23) In the margin of my Bible I noted “at age 50 I committed to no beverage alcohol for this reason.”
To summarize the teaching of this chapter I would conclude that Paul is encouraging believers to develop strong convictions about how they practice the faith, and at the same time to be careful not to judge the carefully discerned practices of others who are seeking to faithfully live out their lives before God. The Amish decided not to use automobiles or electricity. In verse 14 Paul says “I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” So, whatever a person has given up or taken on in devotion to Jesus Christ, that person should be fully convinced of the practice, and not judge those who have through faith adopted a different practice. In his essay on The Character of a Methodist, John Wesley concludes by writing “Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God.”
It is important for every believer to be careful in daily living and in spiritual disciplines. As the pastoral leader of a large faith community I am careful to attend to the personal spiritual practices which I have discerned, and I am very conscious of the different ways believers practice faithful living. Guide me today most Holy Lord as I live unto you, for whether I live or die I am yours. May my life shine as a beacon in a dark world.
Near Republic there is a house on fire in which a family of 6 escaped around 3 am this morning. The same family had a fire in the same house 5 years ago. The local news affiliate had graphic film of the house ablaze with firefighters from surrounding departments fighting it. I imagine what it is like for those men and women on this very cold morning to get the alarm at 3 am and arrive on the scene. There is also a fire in north Springfield this morning. I am praying for all who involved in these emergencies.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
November 24, 2012
Tomorrow I begin a new series entitled “Unwrapping Christmas”. It begins with the scripture from Revelation 1:4-8 and the question “Who is really the king?” I look forward to developing this series and the regular weekly teaching about the real meaning of Christmas – the celebration of the birth of a king.
“Behold days are coming declares the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…. I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jer 31:31-34) Yes Lord, those days are here, beginning with the birth of Christ and continuing through this present day, your law is written on the hearts of those who follow Christ, who are born again not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. We live under this new covenant and enjoy its benefits.
The theme developed by Job and Shawchuck for this week in their devotional A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God is “A New Beginning”. The scriptures are from the common lectionary for this week leading up to “Christ the King” Sunday, and their devotional writings are arranged around this theme.
A real cold front came through yesterday afternoon, dropping temperatures to the low twenties last night. I welcome the purging that comes with a solid freeze, the killing of weeds and insects. They will both emerge in the spring, but until then the frost has taken them. I like the crispness of a clear cold morning like today. It feels fresh and energizing. I have the privilege of officiating at a wedding this afternoon at the Elphindale chapel. Rochelle will be the musician.
My God and my King, I serve today at your command. Guide my steps, direct my thoughts, inspire my words, lead my heart ever closer to yours.
“Behold days are coming declares the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…. I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jer 31:31-34) Yes Lord, those days are here, beginning with the birth of Christ and continuing through this present day, your law is written on the hearts of those who follow Christ, who are born again not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. We live under this new covenant and enjoy its benefits.
The theme developed by Job and Shawchuck for this week in their devotional A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God is “A New Beginning”. The scriptures are from the common lectionary for this week leading up to “Christ the King” Sunday, and their devotional writings are arranged around this theme.
A real cold front came through yesterday afternoon, dropping temperatures to the low twenties last night. I welcome the purging that comes with a solid freeze, the killing of weeds and insects. They will both emerge in the spring, but until then the frost has taken them. I like the crispness of a clear cold morning like today. It feels fresh and energizing. I have the privilege of officiating at a wedding this afternoon at the Elphindale chapel. Rochelle will be the musician.
My God and my King, I serve today at your command. Guide my steps, direct my thoughts, inspire my words, lead my heart ever closer to yours.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012
Last night Audrey and I hosted our 6th and final life group in the fall series. We have had a great group of 13 people who have met here at our house and at the home of the Bigelows. It is a combination of new members of Wesley, long-term members and persons considering joining Wesley. Last night I introduced Bishop Schnase’s work on the 5 Practices and related this to the 5 commitments of church membership – prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. At Wesley we pursue developing more fruitful disciples who worship, care and serve. I regularly need to keep this mission before all of us.
Acts 20: especially verses 31-38 on the theme of “claiming our inheritance.”
This chapter is a travel memoir, as Paul raps up his third missionary journey. Rather than stop in Ephesus, he summons the elders to Miletus where he addresses them with encouragement and exhortation. Acts 20:17-38 contains his words to them, which are golden to all pastors and church leaders. In verse 32 he says “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” I receive this commendation, and this morning I am built up and reminded of the inheritance to which I am heir along with all those who are sanctified.
My work today is among leaders. I will drive to Columbia to host a two-hour training session for superintendents and leaders of district committees on ordained ministry. Along with three others from the annual conference board of ordained ministry we will review the processes and procedures that the district committees undertake to shepherd those who are experiencing a call to pastoral leadership in the church. I relish this opportunity, and I recognize the weight of this responsibility. Now that I have been serving as a pastor for 30 years, with a healthy balance of involvement in academia, evangelism, church planting, missions and now the board of ordained ministry I have a confidence that God has been preparing me for this role, and I will live into it with faith and diligence.
I need to be writing. I am being pressed most appropriately with deadlines for our Spring 2013 material. I commend our pastoral staff for doing so, and I need to carve out time and prioritize this work, which I long to do, and which I am called to do.
I just wrote three paragraphs for the introduction. I am on my way in this resource. I will write early in the morning, and late into the night. Thank you Lord for this motivation and the gentle pressure of deadlines. Guide my work today as I lead in improving the process of the culture of call within our United Methodist connection.
Acts 20: especially verses 31-38 on the theme of “claiming our inheritance.”
This chapter is a travel memoir, as Paul raps up his third missionary journey. Rather than stop in Ephesus, he summons the elders to Miletus where he addresses them with encouragement and exhortation. Acts 20:17-38 contains his words to them, which are golden to all pastors and church leaders. In verse 32 he says “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” I receive this commendation, and this morning I am built up and reminded of the inheritance to which I am heir along with all those who are sanctified.
My work today is among leaders. I will drive to Columbia to host a two-hour training session for superintendents and leaders of district committees on ordained ministry. Along with three others from the annual conference board of ordained ministry we will review the processes and procedures that the district committees undertake to shepherd those who are experiencing a call to pastoral leadership in the church. I relish this opportunity, and I recognize the weight of this responsibility. Now that I have been serving as a pastor for 30 years, with a healthy balance of involvement in academia, evangelism, church planting, missions and now the board of ordained ministry I have a confidence that God has been preparing me for this role, and I will live into it with faith and diligence.
I need to be writing. I am being pressed most appropriately with deadlines for our Spring 2013 material. I commend our pastoral staff for doing so, and I need to carve out time and prioritize this work, which I long to do, and which I am called to do.
I just wrote three paragraphs for the introduction. I am on my way in this resource. I will write early in the morning, and late into the night. Thank you Lord for this motivation and the gentle pressure of deadlines. Guide my work today as I lead in improving the process of the culture of call within our United Methodist connection.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
November 13, 2012
I have a great day ahead, of pastoral work with leadership development and the hosting of our life group tonight. I look forward to getting to my office, organizing my desk and diving in to preparation, plans, praying, and pastoring. Yesterday Audrey and I went out for an early breakfast, worked around the house, then caught a late afternoon movie. We split a salad from Panera and invested the rest of the evening in study and correspondence.
Luke 12:32-34
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” This is great news of monumental proportions! God who has created everything, who owns everything, has chosen gladly, not begrudgingly to give us the kingdom. The devotional theme this week is “Claim Your Inheritance.” This verse reminds me of the spiritual inheritance that God has prepared for those who become a part of his flock. Even as I prepare to part with the LHS, which I inherited from my parents, along with their house and their estate, I am mindful of the inheritance my heavenly Father is providing. I must always remember that I am an heir of The King.
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Verses 33-34)
The book of Proverbs, written originally for the sons of the nobles of Israel mentions inheritance several times, including the observation that an inheritance quickly gained is quickly spent. There are prudent ways to handle any earthly inheritance one receives, and these verses remind me that the healthiest focus of my daily life is to please God, and to store up treasure in heaven. I do this by giving my life and resources away. Living with wisdom, cultivating a generous spirit, observant of opportunities to invest time and resources in others is my goal. I have coined the concept of “cumulative living” which is a principle I have lived by, and will write about. It is living that adds up in a world that does not.
Guide me today, most precious, holy Lord as I “make for myself a purse which does not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven.” May this day reveal Your glory.
Luke 12:32-34
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” This is great news of monumental proportions! God who has created everything, who owns everything, has chosen gladly, not begrudgingly to give us the kingdom. The devotional theme this week is “Claim Your Inheritance.” This verse reminds me of the spiritual inheritance that God has prepared for those who become a part of his flock. Even as I prepare to part with the LHS, which I inherited from my parents, along with their house and their estate, I am mindful of the inheritance my heavenly Father is providing. I must always remember that I am an heir of The King.
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Verses 33-34)
The book of Proverbs, written originally for the sons of the nobles of Israel mentions inheritance several times, including the observation that an inheritance quickly gained is quickly spent. There are prudent ways to handle any earthly inheritance one receives, and these verses remind me that the healthiest focus of my daily life is to please God, and to store up treasure in heaven. I do this by giving my life and resources away. Living with wisdom, cultivating a generous spirit, observant of opportunities to invest time and resources in others is my goal. I have coined the concept of “cumulative living” which is a principle I have lived by, and will write about. It is living that adds up in a world that does not.
Guide me today, most precious, holy Lord as I “make for myself a purse which does not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven.” May this day reveal Your glory.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
November 11, 2012
Today is Veterans Day, and I have asked the Rev. Jim Massey to preach. We will have lunch in room 32 and then church conference in the gym with the Rev. Dr. Bart Hildreth, our district superintendent leading. Yesterday our youth spent the day near Branson on an Alpha retreat, focusing on the Holy Spirit. We also had a “mini mission blitz” yesterday, with 120+ Wesley folks participating in a huge effort to pack food for the needy in a community-wide effort downtown.
Psalm 127 (theme for this week in Job-Shawchuck “Claim Your Inheritance”)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Verse 1) This brief Psalm reminds me that the work we are about is God’s work and will be to the end of time. As a pastor I must never slip into thinking that shepherding a flock and extending the kingdom of God is anything but a partnership with our creator in His work and purpose in the world.
The Foundry, a new United Methodist Church will have its first regular Sunday Morning worship service today. Richard Fine is the pastor and they have rented an elementary school in the area. They are hoping to reach the Battlefield-Republic area of southwest metropolitan Springfield. Today is the anniversary of John Wesley preaching his first sermon in front of the foundry, a building he eventually purchased and used as a center for the Methodist movement in England in the 1700s.
David Petraeus resigned on Friday as the director of the CIA. It came to light on Wednesday that he had been having an affair with his biographer. What a huge loss. He seemed to be the right man for the job, with his great record commanding the military effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can only imagine how this moral failure is impacting him and his family today.
Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I labor in building your kingdom through the work of pastoring Wesley UMC here in Springfield. May the work be guided by your spirit, empowered by your love, and established according to your will. I am your servant, use me today.
Psalm 127 (theme for this week in Job-Shawchuck “Claim Your Inheritance”)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Verse 1) This brief Psalm reminds me that the work we are about is God’s work and will be to the end of time. As a pastor I must never slip into thinking that shepherding a flock and extending the kingdom of God is anything but a partnership with our creator in His work and purpose in the world.
The Foundry, a new United Methodist Church will have its first regular Sunday Morning worship service today. Richard Fine is the pastor and they have rented an elementary school in the area. They are hoping to reach the Battlefield-Republic area of southwest metropolitan Springfield. Today is the anniversary of John Wesley preaching his first sermon in front of the foundry, a building he eventually purchased and used as a center for the Methodist movement in England in the 1700s.
David Petraeus resigned on Friday as the director of the CIA. It came to light on Wednesday that he had been having an affair with his biographer. What a huge loss. He seemed to be the right man for the job, with his great record commanding the military effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can only imagine how this moral failure is impacting him and his family today.
Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I labor in building your kingdom through the work of pastoring Wesley UMC here in Springfield. May the work be guided by your spirit, empowered by your love, and established according to your will. I am your servant, use me today.
Friday, November 9, 2012
November 9, 2012
Today is a beautiful day and a gift. I am aware of much pain and suffering in the world, and the possibility of healing and wholeness. Audrey and I are in the family room with the gas fire burning as we read and study scripture.
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat while he dismisses the crowds, then gets alone to pray. During the fourth watch of the night, he comes to them walking on the water. Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water until he sees the wind and becomes afraid, calling out to Jesus “Lord save me!” Jesus stretched out his hand and said “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This famous incident in scripture gives me much upon which to chew. I can picture the scene, and feel what the disciples felt. It is hard for me to imagine the how of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. I believe it happened, and was a miracle without explanation. I believe that miracles still happen. It is so important for me to listen for Jesus’ beckoning voice, and in obeying it to focus upon him and have no fear of the elements. This could be applied to pastoring, to marriage, to missions, to discipleship, and to every experience in life.
Being with Jesus, doing what he says, exercising faith and overcoming the doubts that naturally arise – this is the life that pleases God, which is my goal. Today, most holy Lord, may my life be lived in your presence, fully obedient and attentive to your word and will. Here in Springfield on a Friday in November, may faith bear fruit in my life and service to your kingdom.
I had a phone message yesterday from a family in another part of the state. I performed the wedding of husband and wife, and now with four children they are experiencing issues. My heart hurts for them and I desire to bring a word of hope and healing when we are able to talk today.
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat while he dismisses the crowds, then gets alone to pray. During the fourth watch of the night, he comes to them walking on the water. Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water until he sees the wind and becomes afraid, calling out to Jesus “Lord save me!” Jesus stretched out his hand and said “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This famous incident in scripture gives me much upon which to chew. I can picture the scene, and feel what the disciples felt. It is hard for me to imagine the how of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. I believe it happened, and was a miracle without explanation. I believe that miracles still happen. It is so important for me to listen for Jesus’ beckoning voice, and in obeying it to focus upon him and have no fear of the elements. This could be applied to pastoring, to marriage, to missions, to discipleship, and to every experience in life.
Being with Jesus, doing what he says, exercising faith and overcoming the doubts that naturally arise – this is the life that pleases God, which is my goal. Today, most holy Lord, may my life be lived in your presence, fully obedient and attentive to your word and will. Here in Springfield on a Friday in November, may faith bear fruit in my life and service to your kingdom.
I had a phone message yesterday from a family in another part of the state. I performed the wedding of husband and wife, and now with four children they are experiencing issues. My heart hurts for them and I desire to bring a word of hope and healing when we are able to talk today.
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