12-7-10 Tuesday, 6:22 am Springfield, 20 degrees, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Yesterday I landed at Fort Leonard Wood, and took a brief self-guided tour of their outdoor display from the 1940s. My mother had a friend who was killed on this day at Pearl harbor, and many who died throughout the war. She held a grudge against Japan until the end of her life. Today our troops are in Iraq and Afghanistan, with tensions high in the Korean peninsula. It is good to have a well-trained, well-resourced, disciplined military, and only time will tell how world politics unfold.
Hosea 6
Verse 3 “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him.”
Verse 6 (God says) “I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”
Yes, to know the Lord is the greatest gift of the human life, and yet it is so easily discarded, as demonstrated by Adam who broke God’s covenant, and betrayed His trust. My vocation as a shepherd is to lead people to know the Lord, to proclaim the good news, to set the captives free and seek the lost. I do so with my eyes open to the realities that the people of God down through history have been prone to reject His love and his kingdom, just as Hosea painfully experienced the adultery of his wife.
3 John
In this letter to his friend Gaius, the apostle commends him for hosting the traveling teachers. John had written to “the church” about this, “but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us.” I wonder how many unhealthy “leaders” there are in the current church who are like Diotrephes, who refuse to have anything to do with the real work of the gospel. We could call this the “Diotrephes Principal”. John continues “dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” (verse 11)
Guide me Lord as I follow only what is good. Guard me from deviating an inch from your will in my life and ministry as a pastor. Just as Gaius provided what he had for your unnamed servants, help me to use what I have today for those who I will encounter.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
December 6, 2010
12-6-10 Monday, 7:29 am Springfield, 14 degrees, clear
It is a beautiful, cold, wintery morning. I have the plane reserved for the day and am planning to take a short trip this morning, mainly to get in some training and to enjoy the environment of aviation on this day of sabbath rest from my pastoral labor. Yesterday was a good and full day of ministry, and this week will be packed with celebrations and preparations.
2 John 1
This letter is either addressed to a particular woman, or to a church. It encourages correct doctrine concerning the person of Jesus Christ. In my generation I have seen much false doctrine taught in the mainline churches (which are losing members) and I am aware of the struggles yet today over doctrine. I am reading a history of Asbury Seminary by Kenneth Kinghorn, and am especially interested in the early years, the 1920s and 30s as it was just getting started. The evangelist Morrison, who was president of Asbury College had a vision for an academically sound, world class seminary that was true to scripture and would nurture the faith and spiritual life of its students. Now in its 87th year, the seminary seems to be fulfilling this vision well.
Psalm 125
“Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” Yes, Lord, I trust in you, my hope is in you, my life will endure in you forever. Even as I take to the air in a frail, small plane, I know that my security is in eternity, not in this life. Guide me today Lord as I fly and recharge the batteries for spiritual leadership.
It is a beautiful, cold, wintery morning. I have the plane reserved for the day and am planning to take a short trip this morning, mainly to get in some training and to enjoy the environment of aviation on this day of sabbath rest from my pastoral labor. Yesterday was a good and full day of ministry, and this week will be packed with celebrations and preparations.
2 John 1
This letter is either addressed to a particular woman, or to a church. It encourages correct doctrine concerning the person of Jesus Christ. In my generation I have seen much false doctrine taught in the mainline churches (which are losing members) and I am aware of the struggles yet today over doctrine. I am reading a history of Asbury Seminary by Kenneth Kinghorn, and am especially interested in the early years, the 1920s and 30s as it was just getting started. The evangelist Morrison, who was president of Asbury College had a vision for an academically sound, world class seminary that was true to scripture and would nurture the faith and spiritual life of its students. Now in its 87th year, the seminary seems to be fulfilling this vision well.
Psalm 125
“Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” Yes, Lord, I trust in you, my hope is in you, my life will endure in you forever. Even as I take to the air in a frail, small plane, I know that my security is in eternity, not in this life. Guide me today Lord as I fly and recharge the batteries for spiritual leadership.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
December 5, 2010
12-5-10 Sunday, 4:59 am Springfield, 23 degrees, wind 10 mph, feels like 13 degrees.
Thank you Lord for awakening me at 4:30 and giving me the rest and energy to get up and prepare for the privilege of leading worship, holy communion, and delivering the message from your word about angels.
Yesterday was a good day, with early work at church, a hospital visit to a child, exercise, rest, reading, and then shopping with dinner with Audrey. Last night I was pleased that my outdoor Christmas lights came on automatically with the timer, as from year to year I have to relearn how to program it. Today will be an important Sunday in the life of the Wesley UMC faith community. We will celebrate the Lord’s supper, bring our white Christmas gifts forward, and we expect many guests. I feel the weight of responsibility, and the grace of God’s wonderful provision for the work that lies ahead.
Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel visits Mary
The angel said “greetings, favored one.” This descriptive phrase is rich in meaning. In verse 30 the angel says “do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” And in Mary’s song, in verse 48 she says “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”
This greeting to Mary, as one “full of grace” has contributed to the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, that Mary was free from the stain of sin from her conception. This has always been a mystery to me, and as I read about this doctrine this morning, I realize that it does not include the belief that Mary was born of a virgin, but that in her conception, she was not tainted by original sin, as are all other humans.
Today I have much to say and as always, a limited time to say it. I will now work on refining my notes so that I might be the most fruitful with my message today. Thank you Lord for this morning, and in the language of Mary “here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Amen.
Thank you Lord for awakening me at 4:30 and giving me the rest and energy to get up and prepare for the privilege of leading worship, holy communion, and delivering the message from your word about angels.
Yesterday was a good day, with early work at church, a hospital visit to a child, exercise, rest, reading, and then shopping with dinner with Audrey. Last night I was pleased that my outdoor Christmas lights came on automatically with the timer, as from year to year I have to relearn how to program it. Today will be an important Sunday in the life of the Wesley UMC faith community. We will celebrate the Lord’s supper, bring our white Christmas gifts forward, and we expect many guests. I feel the weight of responsibility, and the grace of God’s wonderful provision for the work that lies ahead.
Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel visits Mary
The angel said “greetings, favored one.” This descriptive phrase is rich in meaning. In verse 30 the angel says “do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” And in Mary’s song, in verse 48 she says “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”
This greeting to Mary, as one “full of grace” has contributed to the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, that Mary was free from the stain of sin from her conception. This has always been a mystery to me, and as I read about this doctrine this morning, I realize that it does not include the belief that Mary was born of a virgin, but that in her conception, she was not tainted by original sin, as are all other humans.
Today I have much to say and as always, a limited time to say it. I will now work on refining my notes so that I might be the most fruitful with my message today. Thank you Lord for this morning, and in the language of Mary “here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Amen.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
December 4, 2010
12-4-10 Saturday, 6:21 am Springfield, 42 degrees, clear, with Saturn shining brightly in the southeastern sky.
I have the Men’s meeting at 7:45 and the women’s breakfast at 10. Audrey is hosting her Honduras team for brunch. Last night I worked until 9:45 getting the outside lights up. It looks nice as our roofline is illumined in white, tracing its three peaks and valleys.
I John 4:1-21
The apostle begins this chapter with instructions to test those who say they claim to speak by the spirit. This is helpful today, just as it was critical in the early, formative years of the church. Clearly we are involved in a spiritual battle. Verse 4: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” As I teach this series on angels, I am increasingly mindful of the reality of the spiritual conflict between God and the evil powers of this world in which humans are in the middle, and can be servants and soldiers on either side.
In verse 7 John turns to another common theme of his epistle – that as believers we are called to love each other. In the 1970s we sang a scripture song using the KJV of these 2 verses: “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another first John four seven and eight.”
One observation of most United Methodist churches today is that they have an inward focus. I would not say that they love each other too much, but it is so easy to pay attention to those who are at hand, to the exclusion of those who are still asleep. It is good for me to read these verses, and to remember that as the world observes the unselfish love that believers have, it will attract as light attracts. And, this love must be sincere, without pretense or hypocrisy.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I seek to demonstrate love to those who are part of the body of Christ, and to point all of us to sharing your love in this lost and broken world.
I have the Men’s meeting at 7:45 and the women’s breakfast at 10. Audrey is hosting her Honduras team for brunch. Last night I worked until 9:45 getting the outside lights up. It looks nice as our roofline is illumined in white, tracing its three peaks and valleys.
I John 4:1-21
The apostle begins this chapter with instructions to test those who say they claim to speak by the spirit. This is helpful today, just as it was critical in the early, formative years of the church. Clearly we are involved in a spiritual battle. Verse 4: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” As I teach this series on angels, I am increasingly mindful of the reality of the spiritual conflict between God and the evil powers of this world in which humans are in the middle, and can be servants and soldiers on either side.
In verse 7 John turns to another common theme of his epistle – that as believers we are called to love each other. In the 1970s we sang a scripture song using the KJV of these 2 verses: “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another first John four seven and eight.”
One observation of most United Methodist churches today is that they have an inward focus. I would not say that they love each other too much, but it is so easy to pay attention to those who are at hand, to the exclusion of those who are still asleep. It is good for me to read these verses, and to remember that as the world observes the unselfish love that believers have, it will attract as light attracts. And, this love must be sincere, without pretense or hypocrisy.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I seek to demonstrate love to those who are part of the body of Christ, and to point all of us to sharing your love in this lost and broken world.
Friday, December 3, 2010
December 3, 2010
12-3-10 Friday, 7:48 am Springfield, 26 degrees, clear
I John 3:7-24
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.” (18-19) I am drinking coffee from a mug that says Wesley 2011 Worship – Care – Serve and these verses remind me that this is the mission and the measure of belonging to Christ, to the Truth, and gives us confidence as we stand before God.
Psalm 122:1-9
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (verse 1) Worshipping God, standing within the gates is a joy, a privilege, a longing for those who truly love Him and are called according to His purposes. Worship is an obligation and an external exercise for those going through the motions, desiring to appear religious. I desire to stir up in every believer a heart for passionate worship that will transform every moment from ordinary to holy.
I am yours, most Holy One. I desire to show the truth by my actions, that I belong to You. On this day of the week that you endured the cross, despising its shame, may I live a cruciform life, in the midst of this generation, during this holiday season.
I John 3:7-24
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.” (18-19) I am drinking coffee from a mug that says Wesley 2011 Worship – Care – Serve and these verses remind me that this is the mission and the measure of belonging to Christ, to the Truth, and gives us confidence as we stand before God.
Psalm 122:1-9
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (verse 1) Worshipping God, standing within the gates is a joy, a privilege, a longing for those who truly love Him and are called according to His purposes. Worship is an obligation and an external exercise for those going through the motions, desiring to appear religious. I desire to stir up in every believer a heart for passionate worship that will transform every moment from ordinary to holy.
I am yours, most Holy One. I desire to show the truth by my actions, that I belong to You. On this day of the week that you endured the cross, despising its shame, may I live a cruciform life, in the midst of this generation, during this holiday season.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
December 2, 2010
12-2-10 Thursday, 7:04 am Springfield, 32 degrees, partly cloudy
Daniel 9:1-11:1
Daniel prays for his people, confessing their sin before God, and asking God to forgive them and let His anger and wrath turn away from Jerusalem. “Let your face shine upon your desolated sanctuary” (verse 17). This is a prayer that is appropriate for many mainline churches, whose members, leaders and clergy have neglected God, played at being religious while trusting other gods of money, power and influence. We need more modern Daniels who will reject the food of Babylon and praying to God, will pour out their lives for the sheep.
The “Life Application Topic” – Prayer included under this chapter of Daniel in the Wesley Study Bible states that “Wesley calls prayer the ‘proper test of our desires, nothing being fit to have a place in our desires which is not fit to have a place in our prayers’” (Sermon 26). Wesley says we pray “not for a passive, as for an active conformity to the will of God.”
For Daniel, it is clear that his desire is to please God, and his heart is for the spiritual renewal of his people. As I read The Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson, I am reminded of this theme for pastors. Jefferson reminds us that the hard work of shepherding is not done in public, but in private. Even though occasionally a shepherd’s work will be publicly acclaimed, and people swept into obscurity like Joseph, Daniel and Corrie Ten Boom are sometimes celebrated, the real work in God’s vineyard is a daily application of faith and a constant attention to the direction and will of God.
As the winds and frontal boundaries continue to shift and change, may my walk with You be constant and unchanging. Your will is perfect, and it is an honor and a joy to serve among the company of the redeemed, seeking the lost and serving the people of the Way. Guide my steps today, most holy Lord.
Daniel 9:1-11:1
Daniel prays for his people, confessing their sin before God, and asking God to forgive them and let His anger and wrath turn away from Jerusalem. “Let your face shine upon your desolated sanctuary” (verse 17). This is a prayer that is appropriate for many mainline churches, whose members, leaders and clergy have neglected God, played at being religious while trusting other gods of money, power and influence. We need more modern Daniels who will reject the food of Babylon and praying to God, will pour out their lives for the sheep.
The “Life Application Topic” – Prayer included under this chapter of Daniel in the Wesley Study Bible states that “Wesley calls prayer the ‘proper test of our desires, nothing being fit to have a place in our desires which is not fit to have a place in our prayers’” (Sermon 26). Wesley says we pray “not for a passive, as for an active conformity to the will of God.”
For Daniel, it is clear that his desire is to please God, and his heart is for the spiritual renewal of his people. As I read The Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson, I am reminded of this theme for pastors. Jefferson reminds us that the hard work of shepherding is not done in public, but in private. Even though occasionally a shepherd’s work will be publicly acclaimed, and people swept into obscurity like Joseph, Daniel and Corrie Ten Boom are sometimes celebrated, the real work in God’s vineyard is a daily application of faith and a constant attention to the direction and will of God.
As the winds and frontal boundaries continue to shift and change, may my walk with You be constant and unchanging. Your will is perfect, and it is an honor and a joy to serve among the company of the redeemed, seeking the lost and serving the people of the Way. Guide my steps today, most holy Lord.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
December 1, 2010
12-1-10 Wednesday, 6:10 am Springfield, 23 degrees.
The beginning of the 12th month, a fresh page on the calendar. My dad was born on this date in 1917, and this is the third year since his passing. This morning I will pray at 7:00 at the church with a prayer partner for the people who are not yet part of a faith community. At 9:00 I will pray with the staff and the church prayer team, and at 10 I will meet with the nifty nine. I have a lunch meeting, and then dinner with the Alpha leaders and recent graduates as we look to the future. Yesterday I had a good annual review with my district superintendent as we discussed this past year, and the report of the staff-parish committee.
Daniel 8
The prophet describes another vision, this one of a strong ram, defeated by a one-horned goat. “The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion”. Gabriel is dispatched to tell Daniel the meaning of his vision. (I am teaching about Gabriel again this Sunday, as he is the angel who in addition to speaking to Zechariah, appeared to Mary announcing her selection to be the mother of the Christ.)
It is easy for me to neglect the book of Daniel, and reading it this week seems so fresh and current. Perhaps I should design one of my January sermons around this godly man and his visions of the end times.
Guide me holy Lord today, as I walk with you, serve your church, shepherd your people, and seek those asleep and apart from the flock. Amen.
The beginning of the 12th month, a fresh page on the calendar. My dad was born on this date in 1917, and this is the third year since his passing. This morning I will pray at 7:00 at the church with a prayer partner for the people who are not yet part of a faith community. At 9:00 I will pray with the staff and the church prayer team, and at 10 I will meet with the nifty nine. I have a lunch meeting, and then dinner with the Alpha leaders and recent graduates as we look to the future. Yesterday I had a good annual review with my district superintendent as we discussed this past year, and the report of the staff-parish committee.
Daniel 8
The prophet describes another vision, this one of a strong ram, defeated by a one-horned goat. “The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion”. Gabriel is dispatched to tell Daniel the meaning of his vision. (I am teaching about Gabriel again this Sunday, as he is the angel who in addition to speaking to Zechariah, appeared to Mary announcing her selection to be the mother of the Christ.)
It is easy for me to neglect the book of Daniel, and reading it this week seems so fresh and current. Perhaps I should design one of my January sermons around this godly man and his visions of the end times.
Guide me holy Lord today, as I walk with you, serve your church, shepherd your people, and seek those asleep and apart from the flock. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)