12-17-10 Friday, 6:52 am Springfield, 25 degrees, cloudy.
Yesterday morning I woke up in Eureka, near St. Louis. I had made an onsite visit with a pastor and his staff parish committee, as I represented our conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry. Planning to return home by 11, I found myself in the middle of a very light freezing rain, that turned Hwy 44 into a parking lot. Fortunately, I was able to find a hotel and got a short night’s rest, and then was at Wesley by 9:45 am. I led a peer mentor group for several pastors, month 14, and we discussed how to have crucial confrontations when needed. Jerry and I met and made final preparations for the evening’s church council meeting, setting our 2011 budget,which went very well. I also finally got a flu shot yesterday.
Today I my work will focus on my sermon for Sunday, and I will also get a start on my sermon for Christmas Eve. I am looking forward to both of these opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mi Hyeon and I have an interview with a person applying for one of our open positions. This evening Bethany flies home from college in Los Angeles, and we are eagerly looking forward to her visit. David and Danelle will be able to spend a couple of days with us next week. I love this time of year!
Nahum 1:1 – 3:19
The destruction of Ninevah (capital of the cruel and defiant Assyrians) predicted. Nahum’s message came about 150 years after Jonah and his reluctant ministry in Nineveh. Verse 15 is similar to Isaiah 52:7 and probably the basis for Romans 10:15. Nahum 15: “Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace. … Your wicked enemies will never invade your land again. They will be completely destroyed.”
The angels announced good news to the shepherds, a message of peace on earth, good will to all people. The enemy of death will be completely destroyed. This is the subject of my sermon for Sunday, part 4 of my angel series.
Revelation 8:1-13
The Lamb broke the seventh seal and there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. John saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given the seven trumpets. Another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. “And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s holy people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne.” (verse 3)
It was at the altar of incense in the temple that Zechariah saw the angel Gabriel, who announced to him the birth of his son, who would be John the Baptist. I wonder if there is a connection with this angel at the altar in heaven?
Today we have established a day of prayer (and fasting) at Wesley. God’s holy people will spend time in the sanctuary praying for the upcoming Christmas eve services, and the Spring series “Life Hurts, God Heals”. Guide me today Lord as I pray, and work, writing, planning, developing ideas and ministering to your people in this age.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
December 15, 2010
12-15-10 Wednesday, 6:19 am Springfield, 25 degrees.
Last night the first “Kids of Creation” Christmas program was a delightful success! Audrey played the piano accompaniment as the kids sang songs and heard the real story of Christmas, written by Bria Cole. I made opening comments to a sanctuary 2/3 full of parents, grandparents, friends and family. Audrey and I went out afterwards for a tasty dinner at Celeito Lindo. Today I have the morning in the office, lunch with the pastors as we evaluate our work for the past year and look to the coming year, and then I drive to St. Louis to participate in an onsite visit of a pastor who is applying for full ordination next year. I will meet David for coffee on my way into town.
Revelation 6:1-17
The Lamb breaks the first six seals on the scroll one at a time, each accompanied by an appearance of a horse and rider, battles, slaughter, war, martyrs, earthquake, blackened sun and reddened moon. Reading these verses again (having been reading them with interest since 1974) I am reminded that the earth and its people are headed for a cataclysmic end times. The recipients of this vision, living in about 90AD, persecuted by the Roman government with believers being murdered and publicly executed, were encouraged by this vision and assured that their faith was not in vain.
As I grew up during the cloud of fear called the cold war, when the U.S. and Soviet Union threatened to nuke each other, the possibility of a fiery end to life as we know it was on our minds often. Now that the U.S.S.R. is no longer a super power, the proliferation of nuclear weapons continues to be an issue, with rogue states like Iran and North Korea developing the technology to deliver this type of destruction.
I have no control or influence over these international issues. I do have the daily opportunity to worship the Lamb who sits on the throne, and serve God with my life in this generation. “Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord. Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord. May the Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.” (Psalm 134:1-3).
I am your servant, use me on this day to embody your will and purposes. Mindful of the end times, lead me in the present times to encourage, equip, empower, inspire, heal and forgive. Surround me with your light, guard me from this present darkness. Come Lord Jesus.
Last night the first “Kids of Creation” Christmas program was a delightful success! Audrey played the piano accompaniment as the kids sang songs and heard the real story of Christmas, written by Bria Cole. I made opening comments to a sanctuary 2/3 full of parents, grandparents, friends and family. Audrey and I went out afterwards for a tasty dinner at Celeito Lindo. Today I have the morning in the office, lunch with the pastors as we evaluate our work for the past year and look to the coming year, and then I drive to St. Louis to participate in an onsite visit of a pastor who is applying for full ordination next year. I will meet David for coffee on my way into town.
Revelation 6:1-17
The Lamb breaks the first six seals on the scroll one at a time, each accompanied by an appearance of a horse and rider, battles, slaughter, war, martyrs, earthquake, blackened sun and reddened moon. Reading these verses again (having been reading them with interest since 1974) I am reminded that the earth and its people are headed for a cataclysmic end times. The recipients of this vision, living in about 90AD, persecuted by the Roman government with believers being murdered and publicly executed, were encouraged by this vision and assured that their faith was not in vain.
As I grew up during the cloud of fear called the cold war, when the U.S. and Soviet Union threatened to nuke each other, the possibility of a fiery end to life as we know it was on our minds often. Now that the U.S.S.R. is no longer a super power, the proliferation of nuclear weapons continues to be an issue, with rogue states like Iran and North Korea developing the technology to deliver this type of destruction.
I have no control or influence over these international issues. I do have the daily opportunity to worship the Lamb who sits on the throne, and serve God with my life in this generation. “Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord. Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord. May the Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.” (Psalm 134:1-3).
I am your servant, use me on this day to embody your will and purposes. Mindful of the end times, lead me in the present times to encourage, equip, empower, inspire, heal and forgive. Surround me with your light, guard me from this present darkness. Come Lord Jesus.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
December 14, 2010
12-14-10 Tuesday, 6:25 am Springfield, 24 degrees, wind 10 mph from the south.
Yesterday I finished the family Christmas letter, did some Christmas shopping, exercised, read, and in the evening worked with Audrey to organize our family room downstairs. We are still sorting and storing boxes and misc. family mementos from my parents house. Will my adult children someday sort and store the stuff we are accumulating?
Rev 5:1-14
The apostle John sees a scroll, and no one is worthy to open it. Then the lamb, who was slaughtered, with 7 horns and 7 eyes, and he took the scroll. The 24 elders sang a new song, including these words “your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” (verses 9b-10)
We who live under the new covenant, who are followers of the Way, are part of this kingdom of priests. This is similar to the language Peter used in his second epistle. The full implications of this are immense. Martin Luther worked are elevating the role of believers as he began the protestant reformation. The 20th century witnessed the rapid increase of the operational use of the gifts of the Spirit. What will be characteristic of this century? What will the movements be that shape and move the church in the United States, and around the world?
Guide me Lord as your servant in this age. Guard me from living in the past or the future, empower me to serve among your Kingdom of priests. On this Tuesday, let my words, thoughts, actions and responses be pleasing to you, my Lord and my King.
Yesterday I finished the family Christmas letter, did some Christmas shopping, exercised, read, and in the evening worked with Audrey to organize our family room downstairs. We are still sorting and storing boxes and misc. family mementos from my parents house. Will my adult children someday sort and store the stuff we are accumulating?
Rev 5:1-14
The apostle John sees a scroll, and no one is worthy to open it. Then the lamb, who was slaughtered, with 7 horns and 7 eyes, and he took the scroll. The 24 elders sang a new song, including these words “your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” (verses 9b-10)
We who live under the new covenant, who are followers of the Way, are part of this kingdom of priests. This is similar to the language Peter used in his second epistle. The full implications of this are immense. Martin Luther worked are elevating the role of believers as he began the protestant reformation. The 20th century witnessed the rapid increase of the operational use of the gifts of the Spirit. What will be characteristic of this century? What will the movements be that shape and move the church in the United States, and around the world?
Guide me Lord as your servant in this age. Guard me from living in the past or the future, empower me to serve among your Kingdom of priests. On this Tuesday, let my words, thoughts, actions and responses be pleasing to you, my Lord and my King.
Monday, December 13, 2010
December 13, 2010
12-13-10 Monday, 6:35 am Springfield, 6 degrees, wind chill -6.
Yesterday was a great Sunday at Wesley. Even as I was recovering from a stomach virus that jumped me suddenly on Saturday night, the Christmas musical could not have been more powerful with its message of God’s plan for salvation. My sermons at 9:30 and 10:30 about Joseph’s encounters with angels in his dreams were okay, I would give them a 7 on a scale of 1-10. I will download it to my mp3 and listen to it this week, as part of my endeavor to increase the effectiveness of my communication.
Today I will pursue sabbath. Reading a book with that title by Wayne Muller from Bethany’s library, I know I need to rest, recreate, and recharge throughout the year, and especially during this season. As we live in a very busy and tired generation, I must demonstrate God’s plan for a day of rest out of every 7. And, it is so hard to set work aside, especially the work of pastoring and leading the church.
Revelation 4:1-11
In this part of the vision, John sees an open door to heaven, and is transported there in the spirit. He describes the throne, surrounded by the 24 elders, the 7 torches, the 4 living beings who continually said “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is and who is still to come.” (verse 8). The 24 elders lay their crowns before the thrown and say “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” (verse 11)
This glimpse into heaven stirs my heart, and leads me to worship right now. It also reminds me of the language of the great worship hymns and songs down through history, to this current day. There is a beautiful stained glass window above the balcony facing south at Wesley with a crown at the center. Yesterday I was focusing on that crown, remembering the reign of Christ, and also the crown that is prepared for each believer.
You are holy, you are worthy, O Lord and I give you glory, honor as you created all things, including me in your holy plan. I worship you today, and look forward to the day when I will place my crown before your throne.
Yesterday was a great Sunday at Wesley. Even as I was recovering from a stomach virus that jumped me suddenly on Saturday night, the Christmas musical could not have been more powerful with its message of God’s plan for salvation. My sermons at 9:30 and 10:30 about Joseph’s encounters with angels in his dreams were okay, I would give them a 7 on a scale of 1-10. I will download it to my mp3 and listen to it this week, as part of my endeavor to increase the effectiveness of my communication.
Today I will pursue sabbath. Reading a book with that title by Wayne Muller from Bethany’s library, I know I need to rest, recreate, and recharge throughout the year, and especially during this season. As we live in a very busy and tired generation, I must demonstrate God’s plan for a day of rest out of every 7. And, it is so hard to set work aside, especially the work of pastoring and leading the church.
Revelation 4:1-11
In this part of the vision, John sees an open door to heaven, and is transported there in the spirit. He describes the throne, surrounded by the 24 elders, the 7 torches, the 4 living beings who continually said “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is and who is still to come.” (verse 8). The 24 elders lay their crowns before the thrown and say “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” (verse 11)
This glimpse into heaven stirs my heart, and leads me to worship right now. It also reminds me of the language of the great worship hymns and songs down through history, to this current day. There is a beautiful stained glass window above the balcony facing south at Wesley with a crown at the center. Yesterday I was focusing on that crown, remembering the reign of Christ, and also the crown that is prepared for each believer.
You are holy, you are worthy, O Lord and I give you glory, honor as you created all things, including me in your holy plan. I worship you today, and look forward to the day when I will place my crown before your throne.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
December 11, 2010
12-11-10 Saturday, 6:20 am Springfield, 48 degrees, raining.
Elizabeth Edward’s funeral will be today at the Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Yesterday I had the privilege of officiating at the funeral of Bill Hensley, a retired Springfield police officer and member of Wesley. Today I will attend the birthday party for Jesus at Wesley, work on my sermon, pray and support the dinner tonight for special guests connected with agencies around town, and then enjoy the evening performance of the Christmas musical. It would be easy to get overwhelmed as a pastor during this season. And, we have a great team and powerful opportunities for ministry.
Rev 2:18-3:6
Letters to the churches of Thyatira and Sardis. In these two serious letters Jesus commends Thyatira for love, faith, service, and patient endurance. But He has a complaint against this church for tolerating “that woman – that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet – to lead my servants astray.” To the church at Sardis, He states that though they have the reputation for being alive, they are really dead. He tells them to “Wake up!”
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (3:6) My ears are open to what God’s Spirit is saying to the churches, in this letter, and in 2010. I desire to understand, interpret, and act upon God’s instructions. Guide me holy Lord as your servant in this age.
Elizabeth Edward’s funeral will be today at the Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Yesterday I had the privilege of officiating at the funeral of Bill Hensley, a retired Springfield police officer and member of Wesley. Today I will attend the birthday party for Jesus at Wesley, work on my sermon, pray and support the dinner tonight for special guests connected with agencies around town, and then enjoy the evening performance of the Christmas musical. It would be easy to get overwhelmed as a pastor during this season. And, we have a great team and powerful opportunities for ministry.
Rev 2:18-3:6
Letters to the churches of Thyatira and Sardis. In these two serious letters Jesus commends Thyatira for love, faith, service, and patient endurance. But He has a complaint against this church for tolerating “that woman – that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet – to lead my servants astray.” To the church at Sardis, He states that though they have the reputation for being alive, they are really dead. He tells them to “Wake up!”
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (3:6) My ears are open to what God’s Spirit is saying to the churches, in this letter, and in 2010. I desire to understand, interpret, and act upon God’s instructions. Guide me holy Lord as your servant in this age.
Friday, December 10, 2010
December 10, 2010
12-10-10 Friday, 5:15 am Springfield, 30 degrees, clear.
Today we host the funeral service for Bill Hensley at Wesley, and make our final preparations for the weekend, which will include our Christmas Musical, a Saturday dinner for special guests, Saturday evening special edition of the musical, and four Sunday morning services. Yesterday my trip to Rolla was very productive as 5 of us from around the state were trained to be team leaders to Mozambique. Last night I met briefly with our Mission Outreach team and at length with our finance-trustee committee as they proposed a budget for 2011.
Reading The Story of Asbury Theological Seminary by Kinghorn I was surprised to learn that its second president, J. C. McPheeters (1889 - 1983) was born and raised in southwest Missouri. I had the privilege of hearing him preach in chapel, and even the special joy of eating lunch with him once in the seminary cafeteria in about 1981. For 18 years he was the founding pastor of Glide Memorial Methodist Church in San Francisco. Pondering his life has led me to ponder mine, returning to my passion for spiritual formation and the “long view of a short life”. I need to continue developing this emphasis.
Amos 1:1-3:15
This prophet, whose name means “burden”, is called from the humble life of a shepherd in Tekoa, to bring messages of destruction to Israel, Judah, and surrounding countries, all resulting from disobeying God’s purposes, lounging in luxury gained by fraud and deceit, and ignoring the poor. May God guide me in this generation as I preach the Word, teach the Way of Jesus, and live out my calling as a shepherd.
Rev 2:1-17 (Reading from Goodspeed’s translation)
Letters from Jesus to the angels of the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Ephesus is commended for hard work and endurance, but chastised for not loving as they did at first. Smyrna is commended for suffering through distress, poverty, and slander, and encouraged not to be afraid, as they will receive the crown of life and not be hurt by the second death. There is no correction or chastisement for the church of Smyrna. I went to the Smyrna elementary school in second grade in Louisville, Ky. The church in Pergamum is commended for being faithful, even as Antipas was put to death among them. They are chastised for allowing the false teaching of Balaam, and the Nicolaitans in their church.
As a pastor, I have always found great comfort, wisdom, and challenge in the seven letters of Jesus to the seven churches. As a church planter in 1990 I developed a Bible study based on these seven letters which I conducted in homes from Oct – Dec in preparation for the launch of SunRise in March of 1991. As I have been invited to preach there on the 20th anniversary of that first Sunday, perhaps I should use these 7 letters as a basis for a “Letter to SunRise” modeled in this same style.
I am yours today, most Holy One. Use me as your shepherd through this day of funeral and preparation in and around the church.
Today we host the funeral service for Bill Hensley at Wesley, and make our final preparations for the weekend, which will include our Christmas Musical, a Saturday dinner for special guests, Saturday evening special edition of the musical, and four Sunday morning services. Yesterday my trip to Rolla was very productive as 5 of us from around the state were trained to be team leaders to Mozambique. Last night I met briefly with our Mission Outreach team and at length with our finance-trustee committee as they proposed a budget for 2011.
Reading The Story of Asbury Theological Seminary by Kinghorn I was surprised to learn that its second president, J. C. McPheeters (1889 - 1983) was born and raised in southwest Missouri. I had the privilege of hearing him preach in chapel, and even the special joy of eating lunch with him once in the seminary cafeteria in about 1981. For 18 years he was the founding pastor of Glide Memorial Methodist Church in San Francisco. Pondering his life has led me to ponder mine, returning to my passion for spiritual formation and the “long view of a short life”. I need to continue developing this emphasis.
Amos 1:1-3:15
This prophet, whose name means “burden”, is called from the humble life of a shepherd in Tekoa, to bring messages of destruction to Israel, Judah, and surrounding countries, all resulting from disobeying God’s purposes, lounging in luxury gained by fraud and deceit, and ignoring the poor. May God guide me in this generation as I preach the Word, teach the Way of Jesus, and live out my calling as a shepherd.
Rev 2:1-17 (Reading from Goodspeed’s translation)
Letters from Jesus to the angels of the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Ephesus is commended for hard work and endurance, but chastised for not loving as they did at first. Smyrna is commended for suffering through distress, poverty, and slander, and encouraged not to be afraid, as they will receive the crown of life and not be hurt by the second death. There is no correction or chastisement for the church of Smyrna. I went to the Smyrna elementary school in second grade in Louisville, Ky. The church in Pergamum is commended for being faithful, even as Antipas was put to death among them. They are chastised for allowing the false teaching of Balaam, and the Nicolaitans in their church.
As a pastor, I have always found great comfort, wisdom, and challenge in the seven letters of Jesus to the seven churches. As a church planter in 1990 I developed a Bible study based on these seven letters which I conducted in homes from Oct – Dec in preparation for the launch of SunRise in March of 1991. As I have been invited to preach there on the 20th anniversary of that first Sunday, perhaps I should use these 7 letters as a basis for a “Letter to SunRise” modeled in this same style.
I am yours today, most Holy One. Use me as your shepherd through this day of funeral and preparation in and around the church.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
December 9, 2010
12-9-10 Thursday, 5:54 am Springfield, 30 degrees, wind 10 mph from the south.
This morning I drive to Rolla for a day of being trained to lead a team to Mozambique. It will be a long day, and a good investment of my time. In 1985 I was the first conference coordinator of Volunteers in Mission, and in conjunction with the New York office I developed the first leader training events. Tonight we have the finance/trustee meeting to set the budget for 2011, and this will be an interesting meeting.
Revelation 1:1-20
This is the beginning of the revelation that God gave to John while exiled on Patmos. He sees Jesus, and speaks to him. He learns of the seven angels and the seven candlesticks. I wonder if this infers that each church has a particular angel, or if this was specific just to these 7 churches. Jesus refers to himself as “the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, … and the ruler of all the kings of the world.” (verses 4-5).
Like John, I am a servant of Jesus Christ. As pastor and leader of a church I serve as an undershepherd, doing the work of God, using the gifts, energy, experience and opportunities that He has given me. As I read this first chapter of Revelation, I am reminded again of the reality of the spiritual world, and of the impending close of this age, with the visible reign of Christ. Guide me Lord as I invest this day in building your kingdom and serving in your army. Amen.
This morning I drive to Rolla for a day of being trained to lead a team to Mozambique. It will be a long day, and a good investment of my time. In 1985 I was the first conference coordinator of Volunteers in Mission, and in conjunction with the New York office I developed the first leader training events. Tonight we have the finance/trustee meeting to set the budget for 2011, and this will be an interesting meeting.
Revelation 1:1-20
This is the beginning of the revelation that God gave to John while exiled on Patmos. He sees Jesus, and speaks to him. He learns of the seven angels and the seven candlesticks. I wonder if this infers that each church has a particular angel, or if this was specific just to these 7 churches. Jesus refers to himself as “the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, … and the ruler of all the kings of the world.” (verses 4-5).
Like John, I am a servant of Jesus Christ. As pastor and leader of a church I serve as an undershepherd, doing the work of God, using the gifts, energy, experience and opportunities that He has given me. As I read this first chapter of Revelation, I am reminded again of the reality of the spiritual world, and of the impending close of this age, with the visible reign of Christ. Guide me Lord as I invest this day in building your kingdom and serving in your army. Amen.
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