6-30-10 Wednesday, 7:57 am Summer in the Ozarks.
Tuesday was a full day of pastoral leadership. From the staff prayer time, followed by initial planning for the children’s Christmas program, I travelled by motorcycle to Camp Galilee and had lunch with our junior and senior high campers under the leadership of Julie MacLachlan. On the way home I stopped by the Nathan Boone home near Ash Grove where one of our members is the director. Last night I had a great conversation with one of our members about his baptism.
Today I will finish up tasks and projects that will allow me to be on vacation for a while. Summer vacation for us is a time to recharge and refocus.
II Kings 17- 18:12
This section records the defeat of Israel by the Assyrians, and their captivity. 17:15 is descriptive of the cause: “They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them.” And so, God allowed the Assryians to haul them off to captivity, and then the 10 Northern Tribes essentially disappeared. Judah would be taken captive a few years later, but would emerge from captivity and return to the promised land.
Gleanings from this scripture: 1. Accept God’s decrees. 2. Embrace His covenant. 3. Heed His warnings. 4. Don’t worship idols. 5. Do not follow the example of godless people.
These five gleanings are foundational to a life of faith and could be developed and fleshed out into great practices for all followers of Christ. For me, today, I believe I am aligned with these five. Reading the scripture daily is a crucial part of staying tuned in and tuned up to following God. Carefully applying what I read to my life, here and now is a must for moving forward. Guide me today, Holy Lord.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 29, 2010
6-29-10 Tuesday, 7:25 Grayrock deck, 72 degrees, partly sunny.
I am here outside on this beautiful morning. I will be visiting our youth at camp today, as I ride my motorcycle to El Dorado Springs and have lunch with the campers. Here at home the bluebirds have a nest of live young, which chirp loudly when one of the parents arrives with food. It is interesting how the sparrows and the bluebirds vied for occupation of my birdhouse. The sparrows won initially, but did not raise a brood. The bluebirds reappeared a month ago, and their chicks hatched about 5 days ago.
II kings 15 – 16:20
Continued chronicle of kings of Israel and Judah. Assinations, construction projects, wars fill these brief tributes, with the main aspect being whether or not the king pleased God (very few of them) or whether the king did evil in God’s sight. This will ultimately be the measurement of every life, regardless of other accomplishments. I desire to please You, Holy Lord, with every breath I take, every move I make, every word I speak. Guide me today here in Missouri.
I am here outside on this beautiful morning. I will be visiting our youth at camp today, as I ride my motorcycle to El Dorado Springs and have lunch with the campers. Here at home the bluebirds have a nest of live young, which chirp loudly when one of the parents arrives with food. It is interesting how the sparrows and the bluebirds vied for occupation of my birdhouse. The sparrows won initially, but did not raise a brood. The bluebirds reappeared a month ago, and their chicks hatched about 5 days ago.
II kings 15 – 16:20
Continued chronicle of kings of Israel and Judah. Assinations, construction projects, wars fill these brief tributes, with the main aspect being whether or not the king pleased God (very few of them) or whether the king did evil in God’s sight. This will ultimately be the measurement of every life, regardless of other accomplishments. I desire to please You, Holy Lord, with every breath I take, every move I make, every word I speak. Guide me today here in Missouri.
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28, 2010
6-28-10 Monday, 7:50 am Grayrock Dr. (our home in Springfield) 71 degrees, cloudy.
Yesterday was a huge day at Wesley. Four services in the morning, and two Patriotic Pageants in the afternoon and evening. It all went very well, even with a severe thunderstorm in the late afternoon. Several people were deterred by it, but the 6:30 pm pageant was reasonably well-attended. Sleep was sweet at the end of the day. (An interesting aside – Barna’s research about “captive Christians” revealed that a good night’s sleep was one of the main things they (we) look forward to. Perhaps this contributes to the lower stress levels in this tribe.)
II Kings 13 – 14:29
Several Kings of Israel and Judah, their successors, and the key evaluation of their lives – they either pleased the Lord, or did not please the Lord. For each of us, this is the final measurement, the final appraisal of the totality of life. Moshie Rosen, founder of Jews for Jesus, died May 19 of this year. I just read his final article, in which he describes what it is like to be dying at age 77 from prostate cancer. His confidence is that his life has been pleasing to God, and that his passing will glorify God. Early this morning, Senator Bird from West Virginia (age 93) died. Each person has one opportunity to live, and then eternity with God or separated from God. Guide me holy Lord as I live this one life.
Yesterday was a huge day at Wesley. Four services in the morning, and two Patriotic Pageants in the afternoon and evening. It all went very well, even with a severe thunderstorm in the late afternoon. Several people were deterred by it, but the 6:30 pm pageant was reasonably well-attended. Sleep was sweet at the end of the day. (An interesting aside – Barna’s research about “captive Christians” revealed that a good night’s sleep was one of the main things they (we) look forward to. Perhaps this contributes to the lower stress levels in this tribe.)
II Kings 13 – 14:29
Several Kings of Israel and Judah, their successors, and the key evaluation of their lives – they either pleased the Lord, or did not please the Lord. For each of us, this is the final measurement, the final appraisal of the totality of life. Moshie Rosen, founder of Jews for Jesus, died May 19 of this year. I just read his final article, in which he describes what it is like to be dying at age 77 from prostate cancer. His confidence is that his life has been pleasing to God, and that his passing will glorify God. Early this morning, Senator Bird from West Virginia (age 93) died. Each person has one opportunity to live, and then eternity with God or separated from God. Guide me holy Lord as I live this one life.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
June 27, 2010
6-27-10 Sunday, 5:59 am Grayrock Dr. 74, sunny, the full moon setting in the west.
Jonah 3
He finally obeys God, goes to Nineveh and delivers the message God instructed. The people of Nineveh repent, including their king, who orders everyone to wear sackcloth, even the animals, and all will fast from all food, even from water, with the hopes that God may relent and change His mind about their destruction.
This morning I will be continuing my theme and telling this part of the story. I will be applying it to each of our lives, with practical ways we can obey God, and also creating the expectation that God might interrupt and lead in a specific way, at any time. We have the option to obey or ignore.
My desire, holy Lord, is to do your will, especially when it is inconvenient. Guard me from comfortably avoiding the more difficult aspects of following you completely. Empower me today to preach with confidence, power and love. I am yours.
Jonah 3
He finally obeys God, goes to Nineveh and delivers the message God instructed. The people of Nineveh repent, including their king, who orders everyone to wear sackcloth, even the animals, and all will fast from all food, even from water, with the hopes that God may relent and change His mind about their destruction.
This morning I will be continuing my theme and telling this part of the story. I will be applying it to each of our lives, with practical ways we can obey God, and also creating the expectation that God might interrupt and lead in a specific way, at any time. We have the option to obey or ignore.
My desire, holy Lord, is to do your will, especially when it is inconvenient. Guard me from comfortably avoiding the more difficult aspects of following you completely. Empower me today to preach with confidence, power and love. I am yours.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
June 26, 2010
6-26-10 Saturday, 5:53 am Grayrock, 75, humid, clear.
Yesterday was a strenuous and fruitful day. A wedding in the morning, hospital visits in the afternoon, sermon work and leadership development in between. Late afternoon and evening helping Jennifer and her children enjoy the last part of their vacation and assisting them to the gate for their Allegiant flight home. Audrey and I finished up the day by watching the end of an excellent documentary on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life, produced in 2003. This film reminded me of the cost of discipleship, the value of writing, and living fully each day as one “runs with God” (my sermon title tomorrow).
II Kings 9:14-10:31
This is a very bloody portion of scripture. Jehu kills king Joram and king Ahaziah. He proceeds to have Jezebel killed, all the children of Ahab, and all the worshipers of Baal, just as prophesied by Elijah. However, even with all this dramatic “cleansing”, the last verse says “But Jehu did not obey the Law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.” This is a loud and clear warning to all who seek to follow God, to be careful to obey the Law of the Lord, with all one’s heart, as God is a “heartknowing” (Acts 15:8) God.
Lord, as I work on my message for tomorrow, I pray that you would guide my reading, thinking, reflecting and writing, that this sermon would be used in your plan to guide hearts to completely surrender to you and to your purposes through this generation.
Yesterday was a strenuous and fruitful day. A wedding in the morning, hospital visits in the afternoon, sermon work and leadership development in between. Late afternoon and evening helping Jennifer and her children enjoy the last part of their vacation and assisting them to the gate for their Allegiant flight home. Audrey and I finished up the day by watching the end of an excellent documentary on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life, produced in 2003. This film reminded me of the cost of discipleship, the value of writing, and living fully each day as one “runs with God” (my sermon title tomorrow).
II Kings 9:14-10:31
This is a very bloody portion of scripture. Jehu kills king Joram and king Ahaziah. He proceeds to have Jezebel killed, all the children of Ahab, and all the worshipers of Baal, just as prophesied by Elijah. However, even with all this dramatic “cleansing”, the last verse says “But Jehu did not obey the Law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.” This is a loud and clear warning to all who seek to follow God, to be careful to obey the Law of the Lord, with all one’s heart, as God is a “heartknowing” (Acts 15:8) God.
Lord, as I work on my message for tomorrow, I pray that you would guide my reading, thinking, reflecting and writing, that this sermon would be used in your plan to guide hearts to completely surrender to you and to your purposes through this generation.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 24, 2010
6-24-10 Thursday, 7:30 am Grayrock deck, 77 degrees, mostly sunny, a little less humid.
Yesterday several of us travelled to Joplin to experience their Wednesday Night Live event. It was a good trip, and gave us good ideas for the revamping of WOW at Wesley. I had a meeting after the Patriotic Pageant rehearsal, finishing a long and fruitful day of pastoral servant leadership. Today I have a busy day including filming an interview with a college instructor who teaches a course on “alternative religions” (politically correct term for Cults), and meetings about WOW and pastoral visits.
II Kings 6 – 7:20
These verses contain some of the most exciting stories in the Old Testament about Elisha and the miracles surrounding his ministry. This would be good material for Pastor Mi Hyeon as she preaches in July about miracles. It is almost hard to believe some of these stories, but through faith I see God’s hand moving powerfully among His people. It is so important for me to constantly remember what God has done, and to serve each day expecting that God will move in the circumstances surrounding the people of the Way and the body of Christ today. Guide me holy Lord as I live and move and have my being in You.
Yesterday several of us travelled to Joplin to experience their Wednesday Night Live event. It was a good trip, and gave us good ideas for the revamping of WOW at Wesley. I had a meeting after the Patriotic Pageant rehearsal, finishing a long and fruitful day of pastoral servant leadership. Today I have a busy day including filming an interview with a college instructor who teaches a course on “alternative religions” (politically correct term for Cults), and meetings about WOW and pastoral visits.
II Kings 6 – 7:20
These verses contain some of the most exciting stories in the Old Testament about Elisha and the miracles surrounding his ministry. This would be good material for Pastor Mi Hyeon as she preaches in July about miracles. It is almost hard to believe some of these stories, but through faith I see God’s hand moving powerfully among His people. It is so important for me to constantly remember what God has done, and to serve each day expecting that God will move in the circumstances surrounding the people of the Way and the body of Christ today. Guide me holy Lord as I live and move and have my being in You.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 23, 2010
6-23-10 Wednesday, 6:55 am Grayrock, 76 degrees, clear, humid
The weather feels like typical August heat and humidity. The days are starting to get shorter, heading toward the winter solstice 6 months away in December. Today several of us head to Joplin to visit St. Paul UMC and their Wednesday evening meal. I have a meeting with the “Cry Out America” planning group at the AG headquarters, and staff meeting at 10.
II Kings 4:18 – 5:27
The prophet Elisha is involved in several miracles in this chapter. One involves the feeding of a large number of people, with some left over, just as the Lord had told him. Elisha prefigures the Christ in many ways, raising the dead, healing leprosy, feeding multitudes, confronting rulers. Naaman traveled to Elisha for a healing, and when told to wash 7 times in the Jordan River he was insulted. His officers convinced him to try it, and he was healed. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant asked Naaman for payment for the healing, and then Gehazi was cursed with leprosy, along with his descendants. It is so important to carefully obey God’s voice, and to avoid any personal gain. Paul in the new testament and the teachings of the old testament make it clear that those whose lives are dedicated to serving God should be supported by the tithes of the faith community. In this instance, Gehazi gets greedy, and suffers greatly for it.
Acts 15
Paul and Barnabas travel from Syrian Antioch to Jerusalem for the conference with the Apostles about circumcision. One group of Christians believed it was required for salvation, Paul did not. This chapter records the events of this conference, and the conclusion that circumcision is not required, but the simple instructions to gentile believers was “you must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”
Guide me today holy Lord as I “run with You” and serve you in the role of pastoral leader. Guide me steps, my thoughts, my actions. Use me as an agent of your grace, a representative of your Kingdom, an ambassador of your love.
The weather feels like typical August heat and humidity. The days are starting to get shorter, heading toward the winter solstice 6 months away in December. Today several of us head to Joplin to visit St. Paul UMC and their Wednesday evening meal. I have a meeting with the “Cry Out America” planning group at the AG headquarters, and staff meeting at 10.
II Kings 4:18 – 5:27
The prophet Elisha is involved in several miracles in this chapter. One involves the feeding of a large number of people, with some left over, just as the Lord had told him. Elisha prefigures the Christ in many ways, raising the dead, healing leprosy, feeding multitudes, confronting rulers. Naaman traveled to Elisha for a healing, and when told to wash 7 times in the Jordan River he was insulted. His officers convinced him to try it, and he was healed. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant asked Naaman for payment for the healing, and then Gehazi was cursed with leprosy, along with his descendants. It is so important to carefully obey God’s voice, and to avoid any personal gain. Paul in the new testament and the teachings of the old testament make it clear that those whose lives are dedicated to serving God should be supported by the tithes of the faith community. In this instance, Gehazi gets greedy, and suffers greatly for it.
Acts 15
Paul and Barnabas travel from Syrian Antioch to Jerusalem for the conference with the Apostles about circumcision. One group of Christians believed it was required for salvation, Paul did not. This chapter records the events of this conference, and the conclusion that circumcision is not required, but the simple instructions to gentile believers was “you must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”
Guide me today holy Lord as I “run with You” and serve you in the role of pastoral leader. Guide me steps, my thoughts, my actions. Use me as an agent of your grace, a representative of your Kingdom, an ambassador of your love.
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