Avwee Boo’ful

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

Along with our three daughters and two sons-in-law, we had our two grand-daughters home for Christmas – Avery and Annabelle. On Sunday morning, their parents – Jenny and Eric – dedicated little Annabelle to the Lord in a wonderful service here at Bethel Naz. Avery was the big sister, and she got to stand on the platform with Mom and Dad and Bella during the dedication rite. So, Avery had on a pretty dress that she just loved wearing. As a matter of fact, she wouldn’t take it off all day long! She would say, “Avwee boo’ful!” (Avery beautiful!) Of course, Nana and Pahpooh agreed with her!

The next morning, while she was getting ready to pack up and go to her other grandparents’ home, she caught site of that dress again and wanted to put it back on: “Avwee boo’ful!” But, it wasn’t what a little two-year-old needed to wear during a car trip, so Momma had to say no. Avery just wasn’t too happy about that! She wanted to be beautiful!

I got to thinking about the verse in Revelation that talks about the bride of Christ being given new clothes to wear. (See memory verse below.) When Jesus calls us all to heaven, we are going to be dressed in his righteousness! We are going to be beautiful because of the new clothes with which Christ has clothed us. I’m glad we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to wear those new clothes, but that we can put on the righteousness of Christ right now! I want to be able to say, like Avery, “Boo’ful! Jesus makes me beautiful!”

The Bible says to be “dressed and ready.” The wedding of the Lamb is coming!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."

Slow Down on Government Interference in Health Care!

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

How thankful I am for the medical care I receive in America! Today I am healing from carpal tunnel surgery I had yesterday. The surgery went well, and we were able to get it done before the end of the year. (That was an answer to prayer, as I had asked many to pray about that since we had met our deductible – we carry a large deductible – for 2009. Thanks for your prayers!)

Having the privilege of getting surgery through insurance – even if it is a high deductible – is not something we should take lightly. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some don’t have it because of calculated choice. Others don’t have it because they are citizens – and presumably are responsible enough to pay taxes to their homeland – of another nation. Some don’t have it because they are here illegally. And there are others who don’t have it because they refuse to work. Yet we know that there are those who don’t have that privilege because they can’t afford insurance.

It is the latter group that concerns me. What are we to do as a nation to help those truly in need? I’m quite confident that the course the Obama administration – along with the Senate and Congress – is taking will not only not help, but will actually make the situation worse. My gut tells me that the government cannot do a better job than the private sector in health care. Experience teaches us that politicizing medical benefits leads to corruption. The recent actions of the Senate confirm that politicians will not hesitate to be greedy in doling out health benefits.

Is private American health care perfect? No, but we need to slow down – even back up – before we do irreversible harm to the best health care system in existence on the planet.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."

Feeling Feeble? You're Not!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 11-12
NT: Revelation 19
W&W:

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 13-14
NT: Revelation 20
W&W:

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 1-2
NT: Revelation 21
W&W:

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Malachi 3-4
NT: Revelation 22
W&W:

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Genesis 1-2
NT: Matthew 1
W&W: Psalm 1

Today’s Reflection:

On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them… And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12.8, 10).

The golden age of The Church holds such glorious promise! The feeblest of The Church will be like David – a mighty warrior and outstanding leader, a man with a heart for God and worship.

And, the leaders of The Church will be like God – like the Angel of the Lord. What a wonderful prospect! Are we living up to our privileges as the people of God?

In 2010, may God pour out on us a spirit of grace and supplication: showing us favor, helping us pray. May he grant us faith as a gift, faith in the One we look to, faith in the One who was pierced!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Revelation 19.6b-8a: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."

We Are Not Alone!

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 8
NT: Revelation 17

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 9
NT: Revelation 18

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 10
NT: Luke 2.1-20

Today’s Reflection:

The past few days I was feeling a little like he prophet Elijah in the Old Testament, despondent that so few stood for right: “I am the only one…” But, with the news last night I am happy to say, “I’m not alone!”

I reported yesterday that I had sent a letter to Governor Heineman of Nebraska, urging him to refuse the political payoff that Senator Nelson had worked out with Harry Reid. Last night I was thrilled to hear the governor report that he did that very thing. My spirit was refreshed within me when I saw this statement of principle. It is a small beginning, but an encouraging one. The sweetheart deals worked out in the shadows and whispers of closed meetings are still very much a part of the health care deceit. (Yes, I meant deceit, not debate.) Yes, Harry Reid has established a sleazy atmosphere in the Senate – sinking beneath any semblance of honor – by publicly praising the kind of dealing that is anathema to most decent American citizens. But, there are glimmers of dignity. Governor Heineman, Senator Johanns, and the good people of Nebraska refuse to be bought!

We are not alone. Let us urge our national leaders to join Nebraskans in the fight to restore what has made America great – responsibility, sacrifice, honor.

I know that we cannot depend on man for our ultimate hope. We are not alone in the fact that God has come to be with us: Emmanuel. My faith rests on Jesus Christ, the divine Child who was born on the first Christmas night. But it is refreshing to see these values lived out in elected officials.

May God bless your Christmas celebrations with his peace, glory and joy.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

An Open Letter to the Governor of Nebraska

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 6-7
NT: Revelation 16

Today’s Reflection:

Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”

Watching the news last night I was struck by how far our national leaders have come away from “convictions of honor and good sense.” The passage of cloture by the lone Democratic hold-out (Senator Bill Nelson – D, Nebraska) on the health care debate was anything but an indication of honor and good sense. And then he had the gall to try to pass it off on his Republican governor. I am so angry, that I did something I rarely do: I wrote to the governor. Following is “An Open Letter to Governor Heineman”:

Governor,

I'm a registered Republican in Ohio. I can't vote for you. I can't keep you in office or send you from office. I can only encourage you to have the moral courage to accept the challenge so brazenly and cowardly presented to you from Senator Nelson.

Do the right thing. Tell the Senator:
"Nebraskans are people of honor and dignity, of pride and decency. I am appalled that you have prostituted the people of Nebraska in such manner. Of course we will not accept the terms of the back-room deal you made to sell your vote to bring the health care debate to cloture. I stand with the good people of Nebraska in instructing you - as you promised you would do - to rescind the deal you secretly made with Harry Reid and the Democratic Caucus. We Nebraskans are not for sale. You, dear sir, should know that."

Go get 'em, Governor! Stand up for what is right! Call the coward's bluff. As Winston Churchill (in an age of apparently greater honor) said, "Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense."

With votes so brazenly for sale in the Senate of the United States, our Christmas goose, dear reader, is cooked.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

By My Spirit

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 4-5
NT: Revelation 15

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 6-7
NT: Revelation 16

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 8
NT: Revelation 17

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 9
NT: Revelation 18

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 10
NT: Luke 2.1-20

Today’s Reflection:

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” (Zechariah 4.6-7)

We can put our names in there in place of Zerubbabel! (That’s good, because most of us have names easier to spell and type!) God tells us to depend on him, not our own ingenuity or strength or influence. To be sure, we must use all of our resources in pursuing life’s purpose, but we must do so with the realization that God must bless it or it is in vain.

O hungry heart, you will be filled! O thirsty soul you will be quenched. O weary worker, you will be renewed.

Like the prophet Zechariah we can draw endurance from the twin sources of divine fuel (the olive trees on either side of the lamps in Zechariah’s vision – see chapter 4.3). Be strengthened by the twin sources of:
• Word and Spirit
• Faith and Obedience
• Prayer and Fasting
• Praise and Worship
• Presence and Promise

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Luke 2.14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Just for Fun…

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 1
NT: Revelation 13
W&W:

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 2-3
NT: Revelation 14
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

Something happened to me today that was just fun – or funny, depending how you look at it. I hope it brightens your day and lightens your spirit.

Last week I lost the cover off my USB flash drive that is on my keyring. That wasn’t surprising as it has come up missing before, only to be found in another pocket. This time, however, I didn’t find it in any of my pockets – pants… coats… nor hoodie… It wasn’t on the floorboard of my truck nor anywhere in the garage. It wasn’t in the laundry nor in the church parking lot. It was gone. That was aggravating as I knew that I was going to get pocket fuzz in the crazy little memory thingie and mess it up.

Well, as I was coming in the door of the church this morning, I put my keys in my pocket and that made me think about that little flash drive cover: “Wouldn’t it be cool to find it somewhere? I would be just like the lady in the Bible who found the lost coin!” I just chuckled about it, amused that I thought something like that could happen.

When I pulled on the door handle, the door was locked. Ugh! “Diane always has this door unlocked! My hands are full and now I have to take off my gloves and fish my keys back out of my pocket and unlock the door..." When I put my key into the lock, my eye went past it to a milky-transparent piece of plastic – smaller than a dime – on the sidewalk. You guessed it: my flash drive cover. I have to tell you: it was cool. Just fun.

Just fun? Just a little thing? yeah, I guess so, but it reminded me to look for the blessings of God and the joys of life in the little things. And, when we see God at work in the little things, they become small stepping-stones to growing faith, faith that one day will grow big enough to see not just a lost item found, but a lost community saved!

Author and playwright Norman Mailer once said, “Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.” Even in the little things, I want to grow into more. How about you? Come grow with me, the best is yet to be!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…

I Owe My Soul to a Federal Bailout

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Haggai 1-2
NT: Revelation 12
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

As I was driving home from a doctor’s appointment today, I found myself behind a Saturn Aura. I thought of my friend, Aaron, who was the first person I really knew who owned a Saturn. He swore by them. I thought about how the company just blossomed when it began over a decade ago. And I thought, sadly, about how it was one of the companies on the chopping block of GM.

My mind began wandering. What has been happening in our great nation? Are saying good-bye to what we have known as America? Oh, to be sure, America will exist for many years as a great and powerful nation. America will enjoy lingering prosperity and liberty. But, are recent events the beginning the inevitable downward phase found in the lifecycle of nations?

I could wax philosophic about the decline of morals in our nation. Or, I could pine for the days when American seemed to have a different work ethic and feeling of pride in self-sufficiency. I could express concern about terrorist hatred. I could even write about how the American culture has been weakened by all the “hyphenation” going on that has prevented great segments of our society from joining in the melting pot.

What concerned me this morning, however, was what is happening to business in America. Having just left the doctor’s office, I was a bit miffed at the history of unresponsiveness on the part of my health insurance provider. But, I believe that what we have has been working better than anything else around the globe. Why does the federal government – with its stellar record – need to insert itself into my healthcare? And in traffic behind the Saturn Aura, my mind quickly revolted that two of the big three auto makers took money from American taxpayers to support failed management and labor – to subsidize poor performance. Is it right for the federal government to get involved in saving companies and unions who engage in poor business practices? Let GM figure it out. History proves that American ingenuity will far outperform American bureaucracy. And what of the banks and financial institutions bailed out in late 2008 and early 2009? I am beginning to think that we would have sorted this out a lot quicker and with less mess had we let those too big to fail fail. We are creating a spirit of dependence not independence.

Is anybody besides me nervous that the federal government (re – their stellar record above) is positioning itself to set policy and practices for private companies? Yes, regulations are needed to provide checks and balances that protect consumers and provide accountability in all these areas. That is a function of the government. But running great segments of our economy is not. Find for me, please - in the Constitution - the rational for the federal government reaching so far into private lives and businesses. I’m not a Constitutional scholar; I’m just a concerned citizen wondering if we’ve sold the soul of our great nation for a bail-out.

Is there not a better way?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…

Shoulder to Shoulder

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

Christmas is the season we celebrate God’s coming to earth in the form of humanity – in his Son, Jesus Christ. But, we must always remember why Jesus took on flesh and blood: so that he might become a sacrifice for sins. The Bible says: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13.12). Had he not come in the flesh, he would have no blood with which to make us holy. The cradle points to the cross.

Today’s Old Testament reading reminds us that God will one day “purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3.9). That verse reveals a good ordering of life’s interests:

1. Purity first – be right with God. Get right with God. Set your heart on God. Let Jesus make you holy. This is why he came.
2. Prayer next – get to know God. Commune with God. Understand God’s will and Word. Worship God.
3. Then service – serve God. Serve him by serving others.
4. Finally fellowship and partnership – we are to be shoulder to shoulder with God’s people in doing the work of the Kingdom. God didn’t create us, he doesn’t save us, he doesn’t call us for us to fly solo. He calls us into fellowship with him and others, to partner in the work of God.

Purity... Prayer... Service... Fellowship... Follow that order and be amazed at the effectiveness of your life!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 1
NT: Revelation 10
W&W: Psalm 150

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zephaniah 2-3
NT: Revelation 11
W&W:

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Haggai 1-2
NT: Revelation 12
W&W:

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 1
NT: Revelation 13
W&W:

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Zechariah 2-3
NT: Revelation 14
W&W:

Today’s Reflection:

At Christmas time, we celebrate the incarnation of God – God becoming flesh – in Jesus Christ. The Apostle John calls Jesus “The Word.” Jesus is God’s voice speaking words of hope and peace into our despair and turmoil. Today’s New Testament contains the following verse: “Then the voice I heard from heaven spoke to me once more: ‘Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land’” (Revelation 10.8).

Speak once more, O Voice from heaven!

• The scroll lies open, but I must go and take it. In order to know the content of what God speaks, I must be attentive and eager to hear from God. I must make every effort that I can. Yesterday, I challenge the congregation at Bethel Nazarene Church to give God the gift of our wonder by reading Luke chapter 1 and 2 every day this week and listen for the “voice” of God. Would you be willing to do that also? His Word will pay great dividends in your life – if you will give it the time and attention it deserves.
• The scroll is held by the angel who stands on the sea and on the land. The sea represents, fear, tempest, uncertainty. The land represents truth, fait, a firm foundation. The content of God’s message to us is equally valuable for times of peace and times of turmoil. We find in God’s Word – Jesus Christ – a haven in the storm and a foundation on which to build.

Yes, speak once more, O Voice from heaven!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
John 1.14a: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…

Lessons from the side of an icy road, III

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149

Today’s Reflection:

Today I want to finish up with my lessons learned standing on the side of an icy road.

By way of update, Monday morning a van slid off the road into a deep ditch near my home. I had gone down the hill and after determining that everyone was OK, I went back up the hill to redirect traffic while emergency and recovery crews did their work. I encountered some interesting people.

At first, folks simply did what I told them, which at first was to just turn around and go back because they couldn’t get through. Shortly I had to turn back a school bus. As I was telling the driver about the situation, my neighbor drove up and offered to lead the bus through his farm lanes and get the kids safely back on their route. After that, I started sending people that way myself.

One guy, however, must have thought I didn’t know what I was talking about, and he headed down the hill. I’m glad he got stopped and was able to back up because there really was no way for him to get through.

One lady thanked me profusely for telling her about the short cut through the farm lanes. She told me to look at her fuel gauge. It was below empty. There was no way she would have made it back to Felicity for gas. She had a baby in a car seat with her. It made me feel good to help her reach her destination.

Another fella headed down the farm lane only to show back up in a few minutes. He asked me, “Did you get the names of the people who were in the accident?” “No,” I admitted, but it was a mom taking her son to high school. He breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t his family. He went on.

In their hurry and the confusion some folks didn’t “veer right past the 2nd barn.” They ended up going down a ½ mile long drive, turning around, and coming back where they had left the lane.

All in all, it was an interesting hour and I met some nice people. The morning was made better by the hot cup of coffee that Lana brought me!

So what are some more lessons learned on the side of an icy road?

I learned that most people are trusting of what is told them in a reasonable way and will do what is needed even if it represents an inconvenience.

I learned that I don’t have all the answers. I need to depend on people with better information to find the best path to get the kids to school on time.

I learned that a few people won’t believe you until they see it for themselves.

I learned that some people are travelling on “empty” and need extra grace and understanding for them and their families.

I learned that people are very concerned that their families are OK.

I learned that there will be people who don’t get it right the first time. They will need to turn around and try again.

I learned that I’ve got an awesome soul-mate who takes better care of me than I deserve.

And most of all I learned that people need to be warned. There is danger ahead and they don’t know it. But God has made a path of safety, a way to our final destination. If we can point them to Jesus they’ll get through just fine.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Lessons from the side of an icy road…

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147

Today’s Reflection:

Sorry I didn’t continue my story yesterday. Was focused on getting the rest of our stuff moved from our rental house in Feesburg into our new home here in Bethel! We are thanking the Lord for his goodness!

Monday I wrote about the accident that happened on the road in front of our house. A minivan had flipped over in the ditch. By the time I got down the hill to them, two other vehicles had stopped, and the folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. They were OK.

While talking to them and the folks in the other vehicles, I looked down at the shoulder where I was standing and saw that I was in the path where the minivan had skidded off the highway. Meanwhile, two other cars came around the bend and started sliding on the ice down the hill. They both hit the ditch on the other side. Since the folks were all OK, I decided that I needed to warn other people before they headed down the hill. So I headed up the hill and started redirecting traffic, which kept me occupied for the next 90 minutes as the emergency and recovery crews did their work.

Some observations from this event are in order. Coming from a Christian pastor, my message is pretty predictable.

First of all, I would say people need to be aware of where they are. I have a friend who likes to say we need to be aware of our surroundings – right after he cracks me in the ribs! But, it is true that we need to watch the road we are travelling.

We need to be cognizant of not only the immediate direction, but also the ultimate destination. Sometimes we think we are heading one way when the road actually will take us the wrong way. We also need to know the condition of the road. That mother driving her son to school had no idea that there was ice on the road underneath that light dusting of snow. She had no idea that she would lose control on the curve/hill and plunge into the ditch. She had no idea that disaster was just a breath away. A very serious result was quite possible. We also need to be aware of where we are standing. While I was standing on the shoulder where the minivan had gone over into the 10 foot deep ditch, I was fortunate that another vehicle didn’t follow the same path, pushing me to serious injury and quite possibly death.

The New Testament reading for today is from Revelation 7. Verse 3 says, “Do not harm… until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” God in his mercy puts a shield of protection around us. Often the unsaved as well as the saved are protected by God’s shield of mercy. That is because God wants everyone to be sealed as his own. But, the plain truth of reality is that there come times when God – in his providence – lifts the shield that protects u from earthly danger. (He always shields his own spiritually!) Accidents happen. Life can be changed drastically in a moment – even ended suddenly. We must be ready…

Tune in tomorrow for more lessons from the side of an icy road…

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

God Forgives Sin!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 7
NT: Revelation 5
W&W: Psalm 145

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 1
NT: Revelation 6
W&W: Psalm 146

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149

Today’s Reflection:

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7.18-19)

Our God is a forgiving God. This morning I happened upon a potentially unforgiving situation that proved to be forgiving...

As the dawn broke, I found myself in the kitchen pouring a second cup of coffee. I looked out on the deck and noticed that we had a light dusting of snow. When I stepped out onto the deck, snow was still falling, but almost imperceptibly. "The roadsare going to be slick," I thought.

A few minutes later I saw a small truck pass in front of our house. Since we live on a hill and the road in front of us T’s into a crossroad at the bottom, I was worried that the truck might not be able to stop. So I stepped out onto the deck again. I heard a loud bump. It sounded like the bed of a dump truck being dropped into place. Oh no!

In a few seconds, I saw the little pickup going on up the state route, but I ran out on highway to see if I could see what had made the loud bump. As I went down the hill, I saw the bottom of a mini-van – facing up! – in the 10 foot deep ditch on the side of the road. My stomach instantly knotted. I remembered the time my daughter Amy was in a car that flipped onto its top – 7 years ago. It was a scary feeling then and it was now, too.

I ran back to the house to get my cell phone and called 911 as I made my way down the hill. By the time I arrived where the car was, two other vehicles were there and the drivers were out of their cars. The folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. Whew… They appeared OK.

Tune in tomorrow for more of the story…

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 1-2
NT: Jude
W&W: Song of Solomon 6

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jonah 3-4
NT: Revelation 1
W&W: Song of Solomon 7

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 1-2
NT: Revelation 2
W&W: Song of Solomon 8

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 3-4
NT: Revelation 3
W&W: Psalm 143

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 5-6
NT: Revelation 4
W&W: Psalm 144

Today’s Reflection:

The story of Jonah is a classic story in the Old Testament. You remember it don’t you? Jonah got swallowed up by a big fish when he was trying to get away from God. The fish spit him up on shore, but not until Jonah prayed this prayer: “With a song of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jonah 2.9)

Several minutes ago I spoke with a friend who underwent surgery two weeks ago. After the surgery I had visited him at home and he was getting along great. But in the ensuing days, he suffered quite a bit of post-surgical pain and complications. He told me, "I cried out to the Lord in those days, and he was certainly there with me." Even in suffering and pain, my friend found the presence of the Lord reassuring.

Whether it's Jonah in the belly of a fish, my friend in the grip of post-surgical pain, or you in the midst of trials, we have so much to be thankful for.

I trust that you, dear reader, are singing a song of thanksgiving today. I hope that your thanksgiving hasn’t already faded away. Even in trying circumstances – even from the belly of a fish – we can find something for which we can be grateful: salvation comes from the LORD. I challenge you to read that, not as a declaration of the origin of salvation (although it is certainly that), but read it as an affirmation of certainty that your salvation is indeed coming from God! Even now!

I missed last week, but below are the daily readings for those wanting to catch up!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 3
NT: 1 John 3
W&W: Song of Solomon 1

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 4-5
NT: 1 John 4
W&W: Song of Solomon 2

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 6-7
NT: 1 John 5
W&W: Song of Solomon 3

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 8-9
NT: 2 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 4

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Obadiah 1
NT: 3 John
W&W: Song of Solomon 5

Make Your Calling and Election Sure

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 13-14
NT: 2 Peter 1
W&W: Psalm 139.1-16

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Joel 1
NT: 2 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 139.17-24

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Joel 2
NT: 2 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 140

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Joel 3
NT: 1 John 1
W&W: Psalm 141

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Amos 1-2
NT: 1 John 2
W&W: Psalm 142

Today’s Reflection:

Peter wrote to the early church to “Make your calling and election sure…” (2 Peter 1.10). We need to follow Jesus and check our bearings. The marks of a disciple help us to do just that. They serve as compass points to guide us in the way and to provide us feedback for the progress we are making. You can make your calling and election sure by asking yourself:

• Is my life centered on God, on knowing and worshiping him?
• Am I developing Christian relationships, reaching out to and supporting my brothers and sisters in the family of God? Do I show genuine family love?
• Am I growing in Christ, becoming more like him in love and holiness and sacrifice and service? Do I study his Word? Am I changing or stagnant?
• Do I live as a responsible citizen in all the “arenas” of my life? Do I go out to be salt and light in this world?
• Have I been sowing seeds of partnership with God and his people, faithfully giving, praying, inviting and serving in the church?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
2 Peter 1.3a: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him.

Where Do You Buy Your Gold?

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 9-10
NT: 1 Peter 4
W&W: Psalm 137

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 11-12
NT: 1 Peter 5
W&W: Psalm 138

Today’s Reflection:

Have you seen those commercials: “Where do you buy your gold? I buy mine at Rosalind Capital…” Well, I’ve got a better place to get a more stable investment.

All week I’ve been anxious to get to this entry because it is so important to me. You see, life is not always easy, and faith (true faith) is never automatic. Our faith is tested and in the testing we discover that it is of greater worth than gold! Good news in today’s economic climate!

Each morning as I pray, I “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes” (Ephesians 6.11). One piece of the armor is “the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (v. 16). As I put on this “faith as a breastplate” (1 Thessalonians 5.8), I often recite a passage that has come to be one of my favorites:

1 Peter 5.6-11: “6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Yes, the devil is busy throwing flaming arrows at God’s children, but as long as I put on the shield of faith, as long as I stand firm in the faith, those arrows will never mortally wound me, will never pierce my heart.

Take heart, my friend. You are God’s child.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

God Remembers!

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 7-8
NT: 1 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 136

Today’s Reflection:

Today’s Psalm (136) says:
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever…
23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate. His love endures forever.

As I read that, I was reminded how God has remembered me in my low estate. Because of that, I have confidence with the Psalmist to say “His love endures forever!

In times when the enemy would lie to me, saying I…

• Was without hope
• Had no reason for confidence
• Teetered on the edge of falling
• Didn’t have a friend who cared
• Would never find meaningful service again
• Faced an empty future

God was with me! Yes, in those times of low estate, he remembered me! He loved me!

And even now – though I am low in many ways – his love endures still!

Oh, how I love Jesus!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Minister By Night

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135

Today’s Reflection:

This Psalm was from yesterday’s reading, but I couldn’t resist it:

Psalm 134
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.

The second phrase of verse 1 jumped out at me: “…who minister by night in the house of the Lord…”

It’s easy to praise the Lord in the confidence of sunlight. It’s a joy minister to my brother who walks in the daylight of happiness. But, do I minister by night in the "house" [We are God’s house…] of the Lord? When my friend is discouraged and discouraging, when she is depressed and depressing, do I minister in the night of her soul? Or, do I avoid her, saying, “She's a real downer. I don’t want to hang around her!”

Ask yourself:

• Do I offer God’s hope when the darkness of despair falls over a brother or sister?
• When the light fades, am I the light of the world for my friend?
• When understanding ceases, do I – with confidence – point people to the One who works in all things for our good?
• When silence prevails, do offer words of encouragement and direction?
• When loneliness stalks the shadows, am I a friend who chases away isolation?
• When fear lurks around every bend, do I walk with my brother, holding light in hand to guide the way?
• When sorrow wounds the heart of my friend, do I walk with him through the valley of the shadow of death?

Friend, I challenge you and myself: minister by night in the house of the Lord!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Answered by a Stick of Wood

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 3-4
NT: 1 Peter 1
W&W: Psalm 134

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 7-8
NT: 1 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 136

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 9-10
NT: 1 Peter 4
W&W: Psalm 137

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 11-12
NT: 1 Peter 5
W&W: Psalm 138

Today’s Reflection:

“They consult a wooden idol and are answered by a stick of wood” (Hosea 4.10b).

The prophet Hosea warned the people not to be surprised when they received council as helpful as that from a stick of wood because they were looking for answers from idols made of wood. The same is true for us.

If we look on the bad side of things with suspicion and doubt, we will be answered by suspicion and doubt. But, if we are looking for good, we will find answers of trust and faith. It’s the old “Is your glass half empty or half full?” question.

If we insist on for “justice” then “justice” will be our answer. But, if we have an eye for mercy, the answer we receive will point us in the way of mercy. We will find that the ancient beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” will be a self-fulfilling reality.

If we seek our answers in things that end in death, we will ultimately be given over to death. But, if by faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we look for answers in life-giving, God-believing principles, we will find life in God. Bob Dylan said it like this: “He not busy being born is busy dying.”

Where are you looking for answers? Remember, you will get your answers from where you look for answers. The answers may or may not be right, but you will always get them where you seek them.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Go Your Way

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 11-12
NT: James 4
W&W: Psalm 132

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 1-2
NT: James 5
W&W: Psalm 133

Today’s Reflection:

The book of Daniel ends with an interesting verse: "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance" (Daniel 12.13).

Daniel – an Old Testament prophet – had been given much insight into the future, but God made it plain to him that the future was God’s not Daniels. Daniel would die; he would “rest.” But he also made it clear that Daniel could look forward to that rest.

We, too, can look forward to that rest. And, that prospect gives us peace in our days on earth. We can leave the future in God’s hands – we must leave it in his hands – for we will not be around to “fix” all that needs fixed!

It would be good for you (and me!) to heed the instructions given Daniel:

• Go your way: Live your life. Follow God. Stay the course he has given you.
• Till the end: The way you are walking, the life you are living will come to an end.
• You will rest: You will sleep in death.
• And then: Death is not the final ending, but points forward to another end.
• At the end of the days: All days will end.
• You will rise: There is coming a certain resurrection!
• To receive: It will be given to you. You can neither buy it nor deny it.
• Your allotted inheritance: It is yours personally. Yours by the decisions you have made and the life you have lived.

So, friend, “Go your way.”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
James 1.22: Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

What's Bugging You?

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 10
NT: James 3
W&W: Psalm 131

Today’s Reflection:

What’s Bugging You? With what are you concerned? The Psalmist wrote: “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me…” (Psalm 131.1b).

As I get settled into a new ministry, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of changes that I must make due to the distance between this church and previous assignments. Not physical distance, but the methodical differences that are required.

Even so, I am content here in Bethel, Ohio. It is a good place to be. I know that trials will come. God calls pastors because people face difficulties and sheep need a shepherd – even when they would rather roam free. But, I also know that God will give me grace to meet and overcome every challenge we as a church face and I as a pastor face.

Recent developments in my life have begun teaching me that I have at times been concerned with the wrong things. God is teaching me to be more concerned about people and less concerned about the church. After all, it is Jesus’ church and he will build it. My ministry is about people. One by one. Need after need. Joy upon joy.

Visions of “greatness” and “wonderful accomplishments” are laid aside for a simple shepherd’s heart. I like that. Give me more and more the heart of the Great Shepherd, O Lord!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
James 1.22: Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Zeal with Knowledge followed by Deeds

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 9
NT: James 2
W&W: Psalm 130

Today’s Reflection:

Sunday night at Bethel Nazarene Church was fun! Our church hosted a community event to get to know the school board candidates and to get our questions about the levy in Bethel-Tate Township answered.

I began the night by sharing a devotional thought from Proverbs 19.2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” It seems that our political process has a lot of zeal now that is driven by party affiliation instead of genuine knowledge. I shared that the purpose of our time together Sunday was to gain knowledge in order to vote from an informed perspective.

After the board candidates took time to speak to the assembly, our school board president talked for a few minutes about the levy. When he was done, the school superintendent shared a few thoughts. Then, the president and superintendent – along with the school treasurer – answered some questions from the congregation. It was great to have this forum to hear about the candidates and the levy. I hope to host this again in the future. (Hope it’s not a levy again, but we’ll see if this one passes or not…)

I am reminded that a follower of Jesus Christ is one who goes out in citizenship. Our relationship with Jesus is not confined to the property or service times of the local church. No, we are called to go out from our times and places of gathering to live as responsible and contributing members of our communities.

James – the brother of the Lord and the de facto leader of the church in Jerusalem – wrote a letter to the early church which has been preserved in the Bible in book which bears his name. In chapter 2, James shares that the only way our faith is real is for it to be lived out in tangible ways: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?... Someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”

Are you involved in your community? Are you going out to live as a contributing and responsible member of your family, workplace, school, and neighborhood? Anything less than that is less than Christian!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
James 1.22: Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Messing with the Margins

Monday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 7-8
NT: James 1
W&W: Psalm 129

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 9
NT: James 2
W&W: Psalm 130

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 10
NT: James 3
W&W: Psalm 131

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 11-12
NT: James 4
W&W: Psalm 132

Friday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Hosea 1-2
NT: James 5
W&W: Psalm 133

Today’s Reflection:
The Apostle James wrote to the church: “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1.22).

Yesterday, at Bethel Nazarene Church, Dr. Jim Johnson of Point Loma Nazarene University challenged us to “Mess with the Margins.” Preaching from the story of blind Bartimaeus, Dr. Johnson reminded us that we are surrounded by people who are in the margins – neglected by our culture and forgotten by the church. Though Bartimaeus was such a man, Jesus was not satisfied to leave him in the margins. Instead, the Lord engaged him and his brokenness, and by so doing he called the church to engage the marginalized of our day.

As the service began, Phyllis – one of our members – challenged us to engage the marginalized by providing Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless shelter in Batavia. After the service, our people responded generously in money, food and time. At the conclusion of the service, Hillary - a high school senior and a very talented artist – stood before us to ask for our support as she engaged the marginalized at an orphanage in Chactee, Guatemala. She will soon be presenting her works at an art show and all the proceeds will to go to the orphanage. It was amazing that Stan – the soloist – chose a song about Blind Bartimaeus to sing – not knowing the speaker’s text and topic! God put the service together! He wanted to get our attention!

The evidence leads to the verdict that God indeed has the attention of Bethel Nazarenes. I’m humbled to be a part of what God is doing in and through the lives of these Christ-followers. They are not just hearers of the word when it comes to messing with the margins. They are doers. God has challenged me. How about you?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:James 1.22: Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

A Tribute to Character

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 5
NT: Hebrews 12
W&W: Psalm 127

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 6
NT: Hebrews 13
W&W: Psalm 128

Today’s Reflection:

Ever notice how success sometimes breeds trouble? Daniel was in just such a position. He had been elevated to the third highest in the kingdom of Babylon, and because of his success many were jealous of him. Powerful and influential people sought to destroy his life.

But the Bible says that destroying Daniel was harder than his detractor’s bargained for. Daniel was “trustworthy, and neither corrupt nor negligent.” Frustrated, these men realized, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." That's a tribute to his character! These jealous co-workers could find no basis for a charge against him except for his high moral and spiritual qualities! So they colluded to trap him in his devotion to his God, and they set him up before the king.

If you know the story, you know that Daniel ended up being thrown in the lion’s den, but the lion’s just weren’t hungry for what was on the menue that day: “Man of God." God protected him. Now, it doesn’t always work that way; sometimes we suffer for our faith – suffer greatly – even face martyrdom. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5.10). And of course, Jesus himself was crucified for his testimony of God.

The Apostle Peter says if we suffer because we act foolishly – and bring it on ourselves – then there is no valor in that. “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20).

Success often breeds trouble. Sometimes God delivers us from the trouble, sometimes through it. At all times, we should be determined to keep our way just and righteous before him. And, even should you suffer greatly because of your testimony for Jesus – as I stated earlier in the week – “Do not throw away your confidence! It will be richly rewarded!”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;

Raise Your Sights!

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126

Today’s Reflection:

Daniel 4.34 says, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.”

Through his own vanity and pride, the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, had found himself driven from the palace and living like an animal. He lived that way for 7 years before he came to his senses and raised his eyes to heaven.

Are you confused? Are you uncertain about the meaning of life? Are you afraid? Raise your eyes to heaven! God will give you wisdom and lead you in the way you should go!

Special Note to Jenny: As I prayed this morning, the Lord gave me this passage to share with you - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.4-7). That would be a good one to memorize as you are waiting on the Lord to work things out in regards to "stuff."

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.

Don't throw Away Your Confidence!

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125

Today’s Reflection:

The writer of Hebrews wrote: “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” (Hebrews 10.35).

There have been times in my life that my confidence has been eroded. Sometimes it has happened due to my own failures, and sometimes through the callous and cold remarks by others. Never has my confidence been eroded by God. I am so thankful that he believes in me and that he tells me to believe in myself! He constantly reminds me of that even when I am filled with self-doubt and fear.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 15.10: “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” I know I have referenced that verse before to many of you – probably on this blog. But I can’t get away from it. God reminds me time and time again that he made just the way I am – all the potential of heaven’s creative power is wrapped up in me. And, it’s wrapped up in you, too!

So, do not throw away your confidence. Christ is in you; that’s the hope of glory! (Colossians 1.27)

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.

God Gives Knowledge and Understanding

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 1-2
NT: Hebrews 9
W&W: Psalm 124

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 5
NT: Hebrews 12
W&W: Psalm 127

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 6
NT: Hebrews 13
W&W: Psalm 128

Today’s Reflection:

The Biblical book of Daniel is the story of a young man of God who was a Jewish exile in Babylon. Included in his story is the account of three other devout Jews: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story opens with the 4 men being educated and prepared for service to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Quite an honor for exiled young men, but there was a problem. They were expected to eat wine and drink foods that were unacceptable to their Jewish customs. These four brave men took a stand and asked to eat just fruits and vegetables, thereby not defiling themselves with the meat of Babylon.

The king’s official charged with their development was reluctant to allow them to follow a fruit and vegetable diet, but relented to a trial period. Daniel and his friends proposed to the test, assured of the Lord’s blessing. Their courage was seen in the fact that they were willing to put God’s name on the line, saying in essence, “God if you don’t help us, your name will be maligned!” God did help them and they were healthier and wiser than the other young men who had entered the king’s service.

The Bible says, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds” (Daniel 1.17). What an exciting prospect! To those willing to stand on principle and be faithful to him, God gives knowledge and understanding. He even gives visions and dreams to help us know the best course to take.

My prayer today is this: “God, I seek your light. Give me knowledge. Help me understand what I read and learn. Grant me a vision and plant a dream in my heart. Amen.”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;

In One Door and Out the Other!

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121

Today’s Reflection:

In today’s Old Testament Reading, God said – through the prophet Ezekiel – “When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate” (Ezekiel 46.9).

I wonder why God said that. Wouldn’t it just be easier to come and go by the same door? After all, the people undoubtedly parked their chariots as close to the door as possible so that they could hurry off after worship!

But God said something different. Take time to enter into God’s presences and stay there a while. You don’t need to do everything with an eye on the clock. By coming in one gate and going out the other, the people had to pass completely through the temple and be exposed to the full measure of God’s presence among them. And, part of that full measure of God’s presence was his presence in the lives and hearts of fellow worshipers.

When we worship, wouldn’t it be good to do that at least metaphorically? Wouldn’t it be right to avoid just coming in and sitting down and getting up to leave? Wouldn’t we be better off if we took time to “pass through” God’s family and thereby enjoy his presence? We miss much of God when we miss interacting with the people of God. So I challenge you: get to know some new people. Don’t get stuck in a rut or get caught in a hurry. The rewards of new friendships are amazing!

At Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we recently completed an assessment to determine the level of engagement in our church. One of the questions asked of our church-attenders was this: “Do you have a best friend at church?” Experience teaches us that we all need friendships in order to stay connected to our churches and engaged in the mission of our churches. God purposely designed the Christian journey so that we wouldn’t have walk it alone.

So: Come on in! Get to know me, and let me get to know you!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

What an Honor!

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120

Today’s Reflection:

In speaking of the Old Testament high priests, the writer of Hebrews says, “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5.4). The writer goes on to say that even Christ himself did not take the honor of high priest upon himself. He, too, was appointed by God.

As I think about that, I realize a couple things:

First of all, I realize that serving God and his people is an honor! What greater honor could one have than to serve in the courts of the king of kings and Lord of Lords? What greater trust and confidence could be shown than to entrust the welfare of the King’s family to a servant? Thank God for the honor of his call!

Then, I realize that it is not only me as a pastor – but all of us who are called by God to serve his people as priests. I firmly believe that God has made us all to be priests together in the household of God. We are to serve God and his people in ways that he calls. No one skates by without serving. God calls us all. If you think that you have nothing to offer God and his people in service, go to the scripture that I often think of: “By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder!” (1 Corinthians 15.10) God has made you what you are to serve him!

What honor to serve the King! What freedom to be what he has made us to be!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Help Me!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 44
NT: Hebrews 4
W&W: Psalm 119.169-176

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 47
NT: Hebrews 7
W&W: Psalm 122

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 48
NT: Hebrews 8
W&W: Psalm 123

Today’s Reflection:

The Psalmist said, “May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts” (Psalm 119.173). What a comfort when you can pray that prayer! When I read that scripture, I realized that I have chosen God’s precepts, so I can ask for God’s help.

Today, I need God to help me, prepare messages, minister to people, recover from a long trip, keep things in perspective and get over this lousy cold. I believe he will do it because I have chosen to live according to his precepts.

Several years ago, I committed Psalm 121 to memory. Look at it below. I think you will agree that it is a good Psalm for today and every day!

What help do you need? Turn to God and his precepts! He will be your constant help.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 41
NT: Hebrews 2
W&W: Psalm 119.153-160

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 42-43
NT: Hebrews 3
W&W: Psalm 119.161-168

Today’s Reflection:

As leaders from BNC (Bethel Nazarene Church) came together for the “New View Leadership Conference 2009,” Doug Van Nest, our district superintendent delivered the keynote address. Today, I continue with part 3 of his address: “Ask Better Questions.”

Dr. Van Nest spoke from Matthew 21.28-31, The Parable of the Two Sons:
28"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
29" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered.

We have seen that, Better Question #1 is “What is God calling us to be and do?” Better Question #2 is “What does our community need?”

But we have to go beyond planning to doing: Hence question 3:
Better Question #3: “What is our genuine response going to be?”
In this story, there are two sons with two very different responses.
1. One said yes but did no.
2. The other said no but did yes.
What we truly believe is what we do.
Anybody can say the right things, but if you don’t live it, you don’t truly believe it.
Things like this New View Leadership Conference won’t make a difference unless we do the right things.

Let’s ask better questions:
What is God calling us to be and do?
What does that look like at Bethel Nazarene Church? (What does our community need?)
What is our genuine response?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
We are trying a whole Psalm this week – the shortest “chapter” in the Bible – Psalm 117: Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

Ask Better Questions - II

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 40
NT: Hebrews 1
W&W: Psalm 119.145-152

Today’s Reflection:

As leaders from BNC (Bethel Nazarene Church) came together for the “New View Leadership Conference 2009,” Doug Van Nest, our district superintendent delivered the keynote address. Today, I continue with part 2 of his address: “Ask Better Questions.”

Dr. Van Nest spoke from Matthew 21.28-31, The Parable of the Two Sons:
28"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
29" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered.

As we saw yesterday, Better Question #1 was “What is God calling us to be and do?” Accomplishing God’s purpose is not done in the same way in every setting: Hence question 2:

Better Question #2: “What does this look like for us?”
This second question in turn must be driven by another question: “What does our community need?”
The father in Jesus’ story told his sons to “Go.” They had to engage something beyond themselves.
They couldn’t work the vineyard remotely! They had to be in the vineyard.
We need to be in our community, asking, “Where are they?” and “Who are they?” and “What do they need?”
Author Roxberg says that there are two types of change:
1. Continuous change – things we go through that are changing all the time that require only adjustments to our thinking.
2. Discontinuous change – change so dramatic that it requires a whole new way of thinking.
We can’t assume we know the answers to those questions anymore because we are living in a world of “discontinuous change.”
What we needed, they don’t need. What was done for us may not work for them.
What we did before may not work anymore.
How will we know? We must “Go!” We have to get out into the vineyard!
Our planning and vision cannot flow any longer just from the church.
We must ask, “In our planning, how can we get connected to our community so we can understand what our community needs?”
We have to determine how we do that at BNC.

Let’s ask better questions: What does our community need?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
We are trying a whole Psalm this week – the shortest “chapter” in the Bible – Psalm 117: Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

Ask Better Questions - I

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 39
NT: Philemon
W&W: Psalm 119.137-144

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 40
NT: Hebrews 1
W&W: Psalm 119.145-152

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 41
NT: Hebrews 2
W&W: Psalm 119.153-160

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 42-43
NT: Hebrews 3
W&W: Psalm 119.161-168

Today’s Reflection:

The past two Saturdays, leaders from BNC (Bethel Nazarene Church) came together for the “New View Leadership Conference 2009.” The purpose of this conference was to begin formulating a five year plan and specifically to come up with five special initiatives that we could accomplish before May 31, 2010 (the end of our business year).

Doug Van Nest, our district superintendent delivered the keynote address to open the conference. His council to us was to “Ask Better Questions.” I want to share with you my notes from Dr. Van Nest’s message.

Dr. Van Nest spoke from Matthew 21.28-31, The Parable of the Two Sons:
28"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
29" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered.

Better Question #1: “What is God calling us to be and do?”

• The father is at the heart of the story.
• We must realize that our Father’s will defines our mission.
• He desires that we who love God and love others should be busy getting others to love God and love others.
• God has already told us the what!
• Churches spend a lot of time developing mission statements, etc. to frame how this what is to be accomplished, but the what is a given from God: Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations!
• Whenever we as a church consider a ministry, program, activity, or expenditure, we should ask ourselves, “Is this going to fulfill that purpose?”
• Often we as churches don’t ask this tough question because we are afraid it will reveal the fact that what we are doing is not fulfilling god’s purpose.
• We may like it – it may be fulfilling to us and our purpose – but it is not fulfilling God’s purpose.

We must begin with Better Question #1 and line everything else up with it: What is God calling us to be and do?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
We are trying a whole Psalm this week – the shortest “chapter” in the Bible – Psalm 117: Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

Blogging and the Realities of Life

Last Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 32
NT: 2 Timothy 2
W&W: Psalm 119.89-96

Last Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 33
NT: 2 Timothy 3
W&W: Psalm 119.97-104

Last Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 34
NT: 2 Timothy 4
W&W: Psalm 119.105-112

Last Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 35-36
NT: Titus 1
W&W: Psalm 119.113-120

Last Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 37
NT: Titus 2
W&W: Psalm 119.121-128

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 38
NT: 2 Titus 3
W&W: Psalm 119.129-136

Today’s Reflection:

Wow! I just got a dose of reality. I’ve been staying “just ahead” of my blog in recent days, and last week proved to me that sometimes life comes at you fast. I feel like I could have been in a Nation-wide commercial! I just wasn’t prepared for the demands of my schedule.

So, I apologize for not posting at all last week – especially since I am urging you to read the scriptures along with me! Today, I have posted last week’s scripture – in hopes that you tried to keep up and that all you need to do is confirm that you’ve read what you needed to. I also have posted today’s scripture so you don’t get behind for this week.

Be back tomorrow…

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s try a whole Psalm today – the shortest “chapter” in the Bible – Psalm 117: Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 25-26
NT: 1 Timothy 3
W&W: Psalm 119.49-56

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 27
NT: 1 Timothy 4
W&W: Psalm 119.57-64

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 28
NT: 1 Timothy 5
W&W: Psalm 119.65-72

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 29
NT: 1 Timothy 6
W&W: Psalm 119.73-80

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 30-31
NT: 2 Timothy 1
W&W: Psalm 119.81-88

Today’s Reflection:

“At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws” (Psalm 119.62).

Do you ever have trouble sleeping? Sometimes I do. Something will awaken me in the middle of the night, and I find it difficult to fall back to sleep. Several months ago, I found a solution to quiet my mind and let sleep return to me. I think about God’s Word.

I have been trying to memorize 12 Psalms per year, and I have found that those Psalms help me on those restless nights. With them committed to memory, I can recite them over and over in my mind. (I don’t recite them out loud because I know that Lana wouldn’t like hearing me mumble in the middle of the night while she’s trying to sleep!) How thankful I am for God’s righteous laws – and his Psalms and gospels and letters and prophets!

When you awaken in the night, give God thanks for his word. May God remind us all of his laws. By his grace, may he make our mind inclined to think of his Word when we awaken. Then, we can thank him, have fellowship with him and respond to him. He will give us rest!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put Matthew 16.24-26 together: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Assumption of Infallibility

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 22
NT: 1 Timothy 1
W&W: Psalm 119.33-40

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 23-24
NT: 1 Timothy 2
W&W: Psalm 119.41-48

Today’s Reflection:

John Stuart Mill wrote: “All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” While I cannot agree with much of Mill’s positions, I must confess that this quote is very true. I see its expression particularly in religion and politics, but the desire to silence dissent is common in every area of life: from the living room to the board room, from courtyards to courthouses.

The reality is, as Jesus taught, that truth shall set us free. And, there is nothing to be feared in discussion as long as discussion is based in truth. That’s why I – as a Christian pastor – belief in truthful, helpful and loving openness. That is why I – as a citizen – am concerned with the climate in Washington (But we must remember that it is not unique to today.) that is attempting to hurry things through legislature (healthcare and stimulus) without open and transparent discussion. It seems to me that approximately one half of the elected officials are being left out of the debate. I can see no reason for doing this other than two possibilities:

1. An assumption of infallibility on the part of the champions of President Obama’s agenda. Or,
2. A fear that the truth will not help them accomplish their agenda. (e.g. the truth is not on their side.)

In either case, the results will be less than desirable.

We need to urge our elected officials to work together, to learn from each other, and to refuse to use parliamentary procedures that prevent discussion (reconciliation), bullying and intimidation, groundless accusations of racism, thinly veiled threats against private companies that dissent, or name-calling and posturing. Let’s have a fierce, civil debate on the merits of our proposals. What is true will survive scrutiny, but only if we scrutinize! If we lack courage to examine the issues, we will be trapped in sectarian and parochial solutions. There is a way forward in the healthcare debate. It is the way of truth.

Friday’s scripture reading includes the following: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may life peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (2 timothy 2.1-2). We need to pray for our government officials that we may preserve the freedoms that make peaceful and quiet lives a possibility.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.26: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Sons of God

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 21
NT: 2 Thessalonians 3
W&W: Psalm 119.25-32

Today’s Reflection:

Galatians 3.26 says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” In this verse, we see that God is not just a metaphysical concept, not just an idea, not just a power or force or principle. He is our Father. Since he is our Father we find that…

We are children of God!

• By Creation
• By Forgiveness
• By Care

We are challenged by God!

• To Come to Him
• To Be Like Him
• To Trust in Him

So, come to God through faith in Christ Jesus!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.26 : What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

The Lord Is My Portion

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 20
NT: 2 Thessalonians 2
W&W: Psalm 119.17-24

Today’s Reflection:

In the devotional book Moring and Evening, Charles Spurgeon shares the following thoughts from “The Lord is my portion” (Psalm 119:57):

• Look at your possessions, believer, and compare your portion with the circumstances of your friends.
• Some of them have their portion in the field; they are rich, and their harvests yield them a golden increase; but what are harvests compared with your God, who is the God of harvests? What are bursting granaries compared with Him who feeds you with the bread of heaven?
• Some have their portion in the city; their wealth is abundant and flows to them in constant streams until they become a very reservoir of gold; but what is gold compared with your God? You could not live on it; your spiritual life could not be sustained by it. Could it grant peace to a troubled conscience? Apply it to a sad heart, and see if it could prevent a single groan or minimize one grief. But you have God, and in Him you have more than gold or riches could ever buy.
• Some have their portion in something most men love – applause and fame; but ask yourself, is not your God more to you than that? Do you think that human accolades or thunderous applause could prepare you to face death or encourage you in the prospect of judgement? No! There are sorrows in life that wealth cannot alleviate, and there is the deep need of a dying hour, for which no riches can provide.
• But when you have God for your portion, you have more than everything else put together. In Him every need is met, whether in life or in death. With God for your portion you are rich indeed, for He will supply your need, comfort your heart, relieve your grief, guide your steps, walk with you in the dark valley, and then take you home to enjoy Him as your portion forever. “I have enough,” said Esau; this is the best thing a worldly man can say, but Jacob replied in essence, “I have everything,” which is a note too high for carnal minds.

The Lord is my portion! Is he yours?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.26: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Thankful for Me?

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 18-19
NT: 2 Thessalonians 1
W&W: Psalm 119.9-16

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 20
NT: 2 Thessalonians 2
W&W: Psalm 119.17-24

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 21
NT: 2 Thessalonians 3
W&W: Psalm 119.25-32

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 22
NT: 1 Timothy 1
W&W: Psalm 119.33-40

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 23-24
NT: 1 Timothy 2
W&W: Psalm 119.41-48

Today’s Reflection:

Have you ever had someone say to you, “I’m thankful for you”? How did it make you feel? Appreciated? No doubt. Valued? Of course. But, have you ever stopped to consider what it is that would make someone else thankful for you? The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of the Thessalonians that he was thankful for them because “your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1.3).

Growing faith and increasing love. Those things bring gratitude to the hearts of those who are responsible for your spiritual development. As a father, I am thankful for my kids – and I boast about them – when I see them growing in faith and increasing in love. It has been such a joy to see them – as adults – to develop their own faith and relationships. I just stand back and say, “Yeah. They got it.”

I believe that we bring gratitude to the heart of Jesus when he sees our faith in him growing and our love for each other increasing. Think about it – Jesus himself thankful for your growth and love! Makes you want to grow and increase a little more, doesn’t it?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.26: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Towne Hall Meeting – Keep the Information Flowing!

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 14-15
NT: 1 Thessalonians 4
W&W: Psalm 118.15-29

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 16-17
NT: 1 Thessalonians 5
W&W: Psalm 119.1-8

Today’s Reflection:

Finishing up on the questions submitted to the Towne Hall Meeting, following is my response to the question asked about getting people connected to the church:

I have said a lot about what I believe to be the necessary marks of a disciple. A follower of Jesus Christ is one who…
· Knows God in Worship
· Shows Love in Relationship
· Grows Up in Discipleship
· Goes Out in Citizenship
· Sows Seeds of Partnership (praying, giving, inviting, serving)
· Flows Out in Leadership (This sixth component is not requisite for all Christ-followers because God does not call everyone to lead.)

With that in mind, I believe we should design the ministries and programs of the church to develop all these ingredients of the Christian life. But, we also need to be simple in our approach and not duplicate our efforts. I believe we should plan one main activity to provide for expression of each of the first 4 marks of the disciple. Something like…
· Know – our worship service
· Show – our Sunday school
· Grow – our Sunday night (used to be “evangelistic hour, but no longer…”)
· Go – Wednesday night ministries and Mission and community involvement
There could be other ways to meet these needs, but we must keep the structure simple and communicate it.

These 4 ministries would grow out of the seedbed of…
· Sow – pray, give, invite, serve

And the first 5 would be overseen by identified leaders:
· Flow – equipping God’s people for works of service

More important than the ministries and programs themselves, however, are the transitions between ministries. We not only need to plan good ministries, we need to be purposeful about how we are going to get people to transition along the path of spiritual development. For example, one of the main concerns during our worship time should be how are we going to encourage people to move into small groups. We need to make a structure for that to happen and build it into our weekly ministries.

In summary, I plan to increase member engagement by:
· Doing what we do best
· Getting everybody in small groups
· Focusing on transitions
· Planning clear and positive methods of communication

I hope these blog postings have been helpful to you – both Bethel Nazarenes and others who have kept up with them.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.25: For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Towne Hall Meeting – Ideas for Connection - I

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 13
NT: 1 Thessalonians 3
W&W: Psalm 118.1-14

Today’s Reflection:

A concern submitted to me for response at our Towne Hall Meetings was: “What are your ideas on ways we could get some of our adults connected to the church and grounded? (So many seem to have a very loose connection to the church and are uninvolved in any kind of ministry or even in Sunday school.)” I responded as follows:

This morning, I mentioned how important it is to be engaged in the church. Engagement is less about what you do as how you feel about the church. And how you feel is influenced by small groups, by communication, and by working in your areas of strengths and giftedness. We are going to do a congregational assessment in October to help us begin working toward having an engaged congregation.

But, considering the small groups factor of this equation, I am a Sunday school man… I believe that the old Sunday school song we used to sing is still true today: “Everybody ought to go to Sunday school!” We need to get people connected in relationships with one another. If a person does not make friends in the church in the first 6 months, then there is a great likelihood that he or she will drop out. Sunday school is the perfect structure for the making and keeping of spiritual friendships. I think we should set as a goal that 100% of our members should be actively involved in a Sunday school class – whenever they meet! We are planning to train the youth in REACH – a simple method for using Sunday school to care for each other and reach others outside the flock. We also are planning the addition of a new adult class this fall. I also want to continue visiting the adult Sunday school classes to help EACH one REACH one.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.25: For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Be My Guest! (Or Can I Be Yours?)

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 12
NT: 1 Thessalonians 2
W&W: Psalm 117

Today’s Reflection:

A question was submitted for our Towne Hall Meeting at Bethel Nazarene concerning visitation: “Are you and Lana visiting your flock in their homes or do Pastor Noel and Jean do all the visitations for the church?”

Concerning visitation, I’ve answered a similar question in my posting of September 3, but the phrasing of this question allows me to address it from another perspective.

First of all, Lana is visiting with me, but you cannot always expect her. She loves to come, but her schedule does not always match the need.

Second, when it comes to visiting “in their homes” I would say yes and no. If there is a need, and I am aware of it, and as time passes, I am going to visit in homes. But I am not making cold calls in homes. I call for an appointment or respond to your invitation to come to your home. I sometimes receive requests for a pastoral visit or input as to when a visit may be needed, and I respond appropriately. But I am not able to make it a practice just to visit in the homes of my flock. Time simply does not permit it. I enjoy being with my people, though. If you want to invite me over, I’ll do my best to get there! But, make sure some un-churched people are there, too! Let’s be wise and make the most of every opportunity.

I am thankful for Pastor Dale and Jean and the work they do. Dale works alongside me and visits as he is able. We are still working out a plan, but they way we have initially set it up is for me to visit pre-surgery in the hospital if I can and for Dale to follow up after the surgery. If an extended hospital stay is required, I try to make it back. I’m glad that Dale is gifted and available as he is! Isn’t God good to provide the leadership and service we need!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.25: For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Keep the Information Flowing!

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 11
NT: 1 Thessalonians
W&W: Psalm 116

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 12
NT: 1 Thessalonians 2
W&W: Psalm 117

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 13
NT: 1 Thessalonians 3
W&W: Psalm 118.1-14

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 14-15
NT: 1 Thessalonians 4
W&W: Psalm 118.15-29

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 16-17
NT: 1 Thessalonians 5
W&W: Psalm 119.1-8

Today’s Reflection:

This week I will finish up my reports from our Towne Hall Meetings at Bethel Nazarene. Two people expressed concern about receiving updates from the board meetings. One person even wrote: “We never know what happens at board meetings. We don’t need to know everything discussed but we deserve to know what decisions are made. Some people who are not board members know everything but most of us know nothing.”

This is an important matter as I believe poor communication is a leading cause of confusion in a church family. I responded to these concerns as follows:

Concerning the board meetings, I am sorry we haven’t kept you adequately informed. I believe in openness! We are taking steps to post the board minutes and treasurers report along with other reports. Elaine has prepared a place for us to post them. Also, in the future, I hope that our Towne Hall Meetings can move beyond these initial concerns and move to the ongoing progress of our ministries. We have much to pray over and work toward, don’t we!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.25: For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.