Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Lamentations 1
NT: Ephesians 5
W&W: Psalm 107.33-43
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Lamentations 2
NT: Ephesians 6
W&W: Psalm 108
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Lamentations 3
NT: Philippians 1
W&W: Psalm 109.1-20
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Lamentations 4-5
NT: Philippians 2
W&W: Psalm 109.21-31
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 1
NT: Philippians 3
W&W: Psalm 110
Today’s Reflection:
As I answered questions at our Towne Hall Meeting last week, I shared the following illustration that I had heard from Gene Wood. (It is also in his book Leading Turnaround Churches.)
The church is like a wagon hitched to a team of horses. Now that wagon has a destination. The destination is the vision and dreams and goals of the congregation. At a minimum that would include getting people saved and maturing in their faith, don’t you think? Or, as I like to say it: making Christ-like disciples (in the nations)! And remember a disciple is one who knows God, shows love, grows up, goes out and sows seeds. Making disciples – that is our destination.
Every local church, however, has to determine the route it takes to get to its destination. Some churches will go east and some will go west. That’s OK as long as the route leads to the right destination. There is nothing intrinsically better about going east than going west, but you have to decide!
When I pull out of this parking lot tonight, I need to decide: “Do I want to turn south and go through the winding roads of Clermont and Brown County – through Poetown and Feesburg – to get home? Or, would I rather head east and go through the speed trap of Hamersville to get home?” I’ve tried it both ways, and it really isn’t better to go one way or the other. But I have to go one way or the other! If I decide to go west and Lana says, “No, I want to go south!” and tries to steer a different direction, what happens? Chaos ensues!
Now the local church is like that, too. We need to decide on a direction, hitch up our horses and do the best we can to get to our destination. Now, someone may come along and say, “I want to hitch up a team of horses to go this way…” What should we do? If enough people start pulling in many different directions, our progress will grind to a halt and we will never reach our destination of getting people saved! Let’s all pull in the same direction!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put Romans 3.21-25a together: 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Let It Be Us!
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 50-51
NT: Ephesians 3
W&W: Psalm 107.1-16
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 52
NT: Ephesians 4
W&W: Psalm 107.17-32
Today’s Reflection:
I have been praying: let it be us! God, you give the increase… Give it to us! In our Towne Hall Meeting, as I finished answering a question about possible ministries to add, I shared the following thoughts from my prayer journal:
Several years ago I was in the habit of praying the scripture found in Psalm 2.8: “Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” I had kind of gotten away from that, but God reminded me of it in this morning’s Old Testament reading: “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people… and I give it to anyone I please” (Jeremiah 27.5). God made Bethel and the people in it and around it. He will give this community to anyone he pleases.
Oh, God, give them to me! Give me their ears. Give me their hearts. Enable me to speak Your Word to them and enable them to hear. Give me these souls to feed and nurture, to love and care for, to win and disciple.
Do this so that they may become disciples of Jesus Christ:
· Knowing God in Worship
· Showing Love in Friendship
· Growing up in Discipleship
· Going Out in Citizenship
· Sowing Seeds of Partnership
I challenge you to pray that prayer with me!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
OT: Jeremiah 50-51
NT: Ephesians 3
W&W: Psalm 107.1-16
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 52
NT: Ephesians 4
W&W: Psalm 107.17-32
Today’s Reflection:
I have been praying: let it be us! God, you give the increase… Give it to us! In our Towne Hall Meeting, as I finished answering a question about possible ministries to add, I shared the following thoughts from my prayer journal:
Several years ago I was in the habit of praying the scripture found in Psalm 2.8: “Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” I had kind of gotten away from that, but God reminded me of it in this morning’s Old Testament reading: “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people… and I give it to anyone I please” (Jeremiah 27.5). God made Bethel and the people in it and around it. He will give this community to anyone he pleases.
Oh, God, give them to me! Give me their ears. Give me their hearts. Enable me to speak Your Word to them and enable them to hear. Give me these souls to feed and nurture, to love and care for, to win and disciple.
Do this so that they may become disciples of Jesus Christ:
· Knowing God in Worship
· Showing Love in Friendship
· Growing up in Discipleship
· Going Out in Citizenship
· Sowing Seeds of Partnership
I challenge you to pray that prayer with me!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
But Our Church Can Do Some Things
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 49
NT: Ephesians 2
W&W: Psalm 106.32-48
Today’s Reflection:
In answer to questions asked at the Towne Hall Meeting concerning:
1) A Sunday school class for college age people;
2) A bus ministry; and
3) A choir – Maybe just for holidays and/or special occasions
I responded as follows:
In October I am meeting with the board and others interested in planning anywhere from 3 to 5 goals for the rest of the church year: things we feel called of God to attempt. The size of the group will be limited so that we can have good discussion. But, if you are interested in being a part of it, let me know. And as always, we value your “owned” input! Tonight, I am meeting with a group of people who will help me gather your responses to specific questions about spiritual commitment, spiritual health and member engagement. We will take that information and make some longer-range plans.
Having said all that, Let me address the three things asked:
1) I do believe that a choir would be on the list of things we could attempt. I believed it when I arrived, but since we did not have one when I arrived, I took the admonition of our DS and of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7.20: “Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.” I do think – as Elaine mentioned – that a seasonal choir for Christmas would be a good way to use a choir as part of our music ministry. As a matter of fact, from the very beginning of my time here, Mark – our Worship Director – has told me that that is precisely the plan – if we have the interest – shown by commitment – on the part of the those involved.
2) Also, we do need to reach out to our college age adults… Is there someone who feels led of God to do so? “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10.2). But, remember no church can do everything. What does God want us to do? Pray! Fast! Plead for God’s mercy!
3) Now about the bus, it would be nice, but are we ready for it? I am wondering if we are using the busses God has already given us. [Hold up Church Directory] Do you recognize this? 144 families. If we conservatively estimated 1.5 cars per family, then God already has 216 buses. Are we using them? I was saved as a result of that kind of “church bus.” A friend of mine in high school invited me to church; she was riding with her neighbors, the Frieces. When I finally agreed to go to church, they picked me up in their car! I rode that bus and others like it for all the years of high school!
Remember this: it isn’t until we are faithful with the small responsibilities that God will give us greater responsibilities.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
OT: Jeremiah 49
NT: Ephesians 2
W&W: Psalm 106.32-48
Today’s Reflection:
In answer to questions asked at the Towne Hall Meeting concerning:
1) A Sunday school class for college age people;
2) A bus ministry; and
3) A choir – Maybe just for holidays and/or special occasions
I responded as follows:
In October I am meeting with the board and others interested in planning anywhere from 3 to 5 goals for the rest of the church year: things we feel called of God to attempt. The size of the group will be limited so that we can have good discussion. But, if you are interested in being a part of it, let me know. And as always, we value your “owned” input! Tonight, I am meeting with a group of people who will help me gather your responses to specific questions about spiritual commitment, spiritual health and member engagement. We will take that information and make some longer-range plans.
Having said all that, Let me address the three things asked:
1) I do believe that a choir would be on the list of things we could attempt. I believed it when I arrived, but since we did not have one when I arrived, I took the admonition of our DS and of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7.20: “Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.” I do think – as Elaine mentioned – that a seasonal choir for Christmas would be a good way to use a choir as part of our music ministry. As a matter of fact, from the very beginning of my time here, Mark – our Worship Director – has told me that that is precisely the plan – if we have the interest – shown by commitment – on the part of the those involved.
2) Also, we do need to reach out to our college age adults… Is there someone who feels led of God to do so? “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10.2). But, remember no church can do everything. What does God want us to do? Pray! Fast! Plead for God’s mercy!
3) Now about the bus, it would be nice, but are we ready for it? I am wondering if we are using the busses God has already given us. [Hold up Church Directory] Do you recognize this? 144 families. If we conservatively estimated 1.5 cars per family, then God already has 216 buses. Are we using them? I was saved as a result of that kind of “church bus.” A friend of mine in high school invited me to church; she was riding with her neighbors, the Frieces. When I finally agreed to go to church, they picked me up in their car! I rode that bus and others like it for all the years of high school!
Remember this: it isn’t until we are faithful with the small responsibilities that God will give us greater responsibilities.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
No Church Can Do Everything
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 48
NT: Ephesians 1
W&W: Psalm 106.19-31
Today’s Reflection:
Continuing with responses to questions submitted to Bethel Church of the Nazarene’s Towne Hall Meeting, I turn now to someone who was wondering about …
· A Sunday school class for college age people
· A bus ministry
· A choir – Maybe just for holidays and/or special occasions
Following is the beginning of my response:
A church our size cannot do everything. No church can do everything…
I didn’t come in with a program. I was advised by our district Superintendent – and it is good, godly council – to get to know you and love you and to make changes slowly. (I got real bold, however, and I hope you’ll forgive me – I moved the offering to the end of the service!) Seriously, as you are aware, I have felt led of the Lord himself not to put any programs in place until we get to know one another better: God led me to pastor, preach, and pray.
Our church has had many starts and stops in the last dozen years. I have experienced that myself in the last half dozen years. I want to make a good start here so that we don’t have another stop a year or two down the road.
So, let’s not just add ministries, let’s work in our areas of strength, where:
1. We are called
2. We are gifted
I want to get to know you: What are our strengths? What is God calling us to do? I want all our church folks to be fully engaged in what God has called them to do and be – as persons first and then as members of this church.
We all have a mission: to follow Jesus. How are we to express that in our individual lives and work? How are we to join with others in the Church to accomplish the mission of making Christ-like disciples (including ourselves) in the nations? What are your strengths and passions and desires? I want to know. This Towne Hall Meeting is part of my finding out. And it is part of you finding out about me. We will seek other ways to help us get to know each other, but it all takes time.
When I arrived, we already had much on our plates and there has since been no shortage of things calling for our attention:
1. Mission Trip to Guatemala
2. Faith Promise
3. New Board
4. Budgets and Departments
5. Staffing Decisions
6. Weekly services
7. Knowing your names and responding to your needs!
8. Church insurance review
9. Sealing the parking lot
10. And, there are several key departments with whom I have yet to meet.
All this takes time, and we don’t want to hurry the process. Let’s address what is before us. God is not in a hurry, and we can take time to pray and decide together about what we will change about our ministries and programs.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
OT: Jeremiah 48
NT: Ephesians 1
W&W: Psalm 106.19-31
Today’s Reflection:
Continuing with responses to questions submitted to Bethel Church of the Nazarene’s Towne Hall Meeting, I turn now to someone who was wondering about …
· A Sunday school class for college age people
· A bus ministry
· A choir – Maybe just for holidays and/or special occasions
Following is the beginning of my response:
A church our size cannot do everything. No church can do everything…
I didn’t come in with a program. I was advised by our district Superintendent – and it is good, godly council – to get to know you and love you and to make changes slowly. (I got real bold, however, and I hope you’ll forgive me – I moved the offering to the end of the service!) Seriously, as you are aware, I have felt led of the Lord himself not to put any programs in place until we get to know one another better: God led me to pastor, preach, and pray.
Our church has had many starts and stops in the last dozen years. I have experienced that myself in the last half dozen years. I want to make a good start here so that we don’t have another stop a year or two down the road.
So, let’s not just add ministries, let’s work in our areas of strength, where:
1. We are called
2. We are gifted
I want to get to know you: What are our strengths? What is God calling us to do? I want all our church folks to be fully engaged in what God has called them to do and be – as persons first and then as members of this church.
We all have a mission: to follow Jesus. How are we to express that in our individual lives and work? How are we to join with others in the Church to accomplish the mission of making Christ-like disciples (including ourselves) in the nations? What are your strengths and passions and desires? I want to know. This Towne Hall Meeting is part of my finding out. And it is part of you finding out about me. We will seek other ways to help us get to know each other, but it all takes time.
When I arrived, we already had much on our plates and there has since been no shortage of things calling for our attention:
1. Mission Trip to Guatemala
2. Faith Promise
3. New Board
4. Budgets and Departments
5. Staffing Decisions
6. Weekly services
7. Knowing your names and responding to your needs!
8. Church insurance review
9. Sealing the parking lot
10. And, there are several key departments with whom I have yet to meet.
All this takes time, and we don’t want to hurry the process. Let’s address what is before us. God is not in a hurry, and we can take time to pray and decide together about what we will change about our ministries and programs.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Towne Hall Meeting, Outreach II
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 47
NT: Galatians 6
W&W: Psalm 106.1-18
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 48
NT: Ephesians 1
W&W: Psalm 106.19-31
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 49
NT: Ephesians 2
W&W: Psalm 106.32-48
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 50-51
NT: Ephesians 3
W&W: Psalm 107.1-16
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 52
NT: Ephesians 4
W&W: Psalm 107.17-32
Today’s Reflection:
In Bethel Church of the Nazarene’s Towne Hall meetings begun on August 16, I was asked about plans for outreach. I emphasized that outreach should be a part of the lives of our church members, part of our daily walk with Christ. As we follow Jesus, we are called to:
· Know God in worship
· Show love in relationship
· Grow up in discipleship
· Go out in citizenship
· Sow seeds of partnership
The “Go” of this formula is the part that specifically addresses outreach. There are at least three dimensions of outreach that are connected but distinct: Compassionate Outreach, Evangelistic Outreach, and Missionary Outreach. Last week I addressed Compassionate Outreach. Today I will address Evangelistic and Missionary Outreach.
So, let’s turn to Evangelistic Outreach. Jesus said, in what we call the Great Commission (Matthew 28.18-20): “Was given to me all authority in heaven and on the earth. Going, therefore, disciple ye all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I gave command to you; and behold I with you am all the days until the completion of the age” (emphasis mine, Greek Interlinear New Testament).
I quote that from the Greek in order to make the point that the going is to be just that: a going… constantly. As you are going about life, make disciples. This is outreach. Where you live, where you go to school, where you work, where you worship, where you serve, where you play – wherever you may go – make disciples! It’s in the going that you are to do the doing! Hence, our evangelistic outreach becomes more about what we are than what we do. This is the reason Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses” when the power of the Holy Spirit comes on you (Acts 1.8). He didn’t say you will speak my witness, but you will be my witness.
My philosophy of evangelistic outreach was forged in the fires of revival when I was first saved with Nelson Perdue as my pastor. It is a combination of incarnational and invitational outreach: living it and inviting others to be a part of it. People need to see Christ in your life – in attractive winsome behavior, attitudes and words – so real that they want what you have. That is incarnational outreach. Any outreach “program” that does not have that at its heart is doomed to fail. Then, when your family, friends, coworkers and business associates are drawn to it, you can be ready with an invitation. At times you may have opportunity to invite them to faith in Christ. Most of the time, I suspect, your opportunity will be to invite them to church – whether a service or an activity. That’s why we want every Sunday here to be of the best quality and with an eye on seeing people saved. I want you to be proud of what we are doing here so that you can invite your friends. I want you to make us proud by living a life of consistent love, service, and holiness. Invitational and incarnational.
Finally, when speaking of outreach, we should think of Missionary Outreach: reaching out beyond our community. Our outreach also includes global missions and district missions. We sent a team to Guatemala to work and to witness. We plan on doing another one. We have pledged over $20,000 for World Evangelism as part of our local church budget. We have partnered with Covenant Community Church in downtown in the past. We have opportunity to do so again this fall. God will honor a church that is mission-minded, that is concerned with others. After all, doesn’t that describe his heart?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
OT: Jeremiah 47
NT: Galatians 6
W&W: Psalm 106.1-18
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 48
NT: Ephesians 1
W&W: Psalm 106.19-31
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 49
NT: Ephesians 2
W&W: Psalm 106.32-48
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 50-51
NT: Ephesians 3
W&W: Psalm 107.1-16
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 52
NT: Ephesians 4
W&W: Psalm 107.17-32
Today’s Reflection:
In Bethel Church of the Nazarene’s Towne Hall meetings begun on August 16, I was asked about plans for outreach. I emphasized that outreach should be a part of the lives of our church members, part of our daily walk with Christ. As we follow Jesus, we are called to:
· Know God in worship
· Show love in relationship
· Grow up in discipleship
· Go out in citizenship
· Sow seeds of partnership
The “Go” of this formula is the part that specifically addresses outreach. There are at least three dimensions of outreach that are connected but distinct: Compassionate Outreach, Evangelistic Outreach, and Missionary Outreach. Last week I addressed Compassionate Outreach. Today I will address Evangelistic and Missionary Outreach.
So, let’s turn to Evangelistic Outreach. Jesus said, in what we call the Great Commission (Matthew 28.18-20): “Was given to me all authority in heaven and on the earth. Going, therefore, disciple ye all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I gave command to you; and behold I with you am all the days until the completion of the age” (emphasis mine, Greek Interlinear New Testament).
I quote that from the Greek in order to make the point that the going is to be just that: a going… constantly. As you are going about life, make disciples. This is outreach. Where you live, where you go to school, where you work, where you worship, where you serve, where you play – wherever you may go – make disciples! It’s in the going that you are to do the doing! Hence, our evangelistic outreach becomes more about what we are than what we do. This is the reason Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses” when the power of the Holy Spirit comes on you (Acts 1.8). He didn’t say you will speak my witness, but you will be my witness.
My philosophy of evangelistic outreach was forged in the fires of revival when I was first saved with Nelson Perdue as my pastor. It is a combination of incarnational and invitational outreach: living it and inviting others to be a part of it. People need to see Christ in your life – in attractive winsome behavior, attitudes and words – so real that they want what you have. That is incarnational outreach. Any outreach “program” that does not have that at its heart is doomed to fail. Then, when your family, friends, coworkers and business associates are drawn to it, you can be ready with an invitation. At times you may have opportunity to invite them to faith in Christ. Most of the time, I suspect, your opportunity will be to invite them to church – whether a service or an activity. That’s why we want every Sunday here to be of the best quality and with an eye on seeing people saved. I want you to be proud of what we are doing here so that you can invite your friends. I want you to make us proud by living a life of consistent love, service, and holiness. Invitational and incarnational.
Finally, when speaking of outreach, we should think of Missionary Outreach: reaching out beyond our community. Our outreach also includes global missions and district missions. We sent a team to Guatemala to work and to witness. We plan on doing another one. We have pledged over $20,000 for World Evangelism as part of our local church budget. We have partnered with Covenant Community Church in downtown in the past. We have opportunity to do so again this fall. God will honor a church that is mission-minded, that is concerned with others. After all, doesn’t that describe his heart?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.25a: God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Towne Hall Meeting, Outreach, I
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 44
NT: Galatians 4
W&W: Psalm 105.23-36
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 45-46
NT: Galatians 5
W&W: Psalm 105.37-45
Today’s Reflection:
As I mentioned at the beginning of the week, the first question I addressed was wondering about “any plans for outreach ministries.” After I addressed the need for openness and vulnerability, I went on to address outreach.
First, I would say that I do have specific plans for outreach, and I will be able to partially answer them in coming Towne Hall Meetings. But at this point, I want to emphasize that I believe outreach should be a part of the lives of our church members, part of our daily routines.
We, as followers of Jesus Christ, are called to
· Know God in worship
· Show love in relationship
· Grow up in discipleship
· Go out in citizenship
· Sow seeds of partnership
Remember these 5 things: know, show, grow, go, and sew. The Go part of this formula is the part that specifically addresses outreach. There are at least three dimensions of outreach that are connected but distinct: Compassionate Outreach, Evangelistic Outreach, and Missionary Outreach. I will address them in turn.
First, let’s consider Compassionate Outreach, or community involvement. At times when we discuss outreach, we have the in mind the very specific component of deeds of mercy and compassion and service. Those are wonderful characteristics that things should define each of our lives. Don’t wait for the church to have an outreach program to reach out with the love of Jesus! If you see your brother sick, visit him! If you see your sister hungry, feed her! Lonely? Visit him. Oppressed? Stand with her. There are hundreds of ways for us to do that every day. And there are dozens of agencies (Christian and non-Christian) doing good works that need Christian volunteers! Go!
Get involved in our community. Be a good, service-oriented citizen of Bethel or Clermont County or Brown County… Volunteer at the school, with the pregnancy center, at the free store. There is an opportunity coming up that I want to mention. There is a Crop Hunger Walk on October 11 called “Crossing Bridges.” Get involved! I personally have spoken with Fay Wagner about being a reader at Bethel Primary, and I plan to speak to Happy Guy about mentoring in her classroom. I may not get to do either one, but I need o do something. I tell you that for two reasons: 1) Hold me accountable and 2) Follow me as I follow Christ!
Still, we must consider, “Is there something for which God wants Bethel Church of the Nazarene to be responsible?” We do our part in helping support some agencies financially and in volunteer hours. Plus, we do what we feel we can and should for people who come to us with needs for assistance. Also, for years we had a very effective outreach ministry called “The Community Class.” We no longer have that. Do we have anything to take its place? Are there other things we are currently doing? (After the meeting I was reminded that we have an excellent outreach ministry called MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers – and we are planning to expand its evangelistic impact this year.)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24 (How sad that many of us – including me – know Romans 3.23, but we neglect the message of grace in verse 24!): 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
OT: Jeremiah 44
NT: Galatians 4
W&W: Psalm 105.23-36
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 45-46
NT: Galatians 5
W&W: Psalm 105.37-45
Today’s Reflection:
As I mentioned at the beginning of the week, the first question I addressed was wondering about “any plans for outreach ministries.” After I addressed the need for openness and vulnerability, I went on to address outreach.
First, I would say that I do have specific plans for outreach, and I will be able to partially answer them in coming Towne Hall Meetings. But at this point, I want to emphasize that I believe outreach should be a part of the lives of our church members, part of our daily routines.
We, as followers of Jesus Christ, are called to
· Know God in worship
· Show love in relationship
· Grow up in discipleship
· Go out in citizenship
· Sow seeds of partnership
Remember these 5 things: know, show, grow, go, and sew. The Go part of this formula is the part that specifically addresses outreach. There are at least three dimensions of outreach that are connected but distinct: Compassionate Outreach, Evangelistic Outreach, and Missionary Outreach. I will address them in turn.
First, let’s consider Compassionate Outreach, or community involvement. At times when we discuss outreach, we have the in mind the very specific component of deeds of mercy and compassion and service. Those are wonderful characteristics that things should define each of our lives. Don’t wait for the church to have an outreach program to reach out with the love of Jesus! If you see your brother sick, visit him! If you see your sister hungry, feed her! Lonely? Visit him. Oppressed? Stand with her. There are hundreds of ways for us to do that every day. And there are dozens of agencies (Christian and non-Christian) doing good works that need Christian volunteers! Go!
Get involved in our community. Be a good, service-oriented citizen of Bethel or Clermont County or Brown County… Volunteer at the school, with the pregnancy center, at the free store. There is an opportunity coming up that I want to mention. There is a Crop Hunger Walk on October 11 called “Crossing Bridges.” Get involved! I personally have spoken with Fay Wagner about being a reader at Bethel Primary, and I plan to speak to Happy Guy about mentoring in her classroom. I may not get to do either one, but I need o do something. I tell you that for two reasons: 1) Hold me accountable and 2) Follow me as I follow Christ!
Still, we must consider, “Is there something for which God wants Bethel Church of the Nazarene to be responsible?” We do our part in helping support some agencies financially and in volunteer hours. Plus, we do what we feel we can and should for people who come to us with needs for assistance. Also, for years we had a very effective outreach ministry called “The Community Class.” We no longer have that. Do we have anything to take its place? Are there other things we are currently doing? (After the meeting I was reminded that we have an excellent outreach ministry called MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers – and we are planning to expand its evangelistic impact this year.)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24 (How sad that many of us – including me – know Romans 3.23, but we neglect the message of grace in verse 24!): 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Towne Hall Meeting, Openness, III
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 41-43
NT: Galatians 3
W&W: Psalm 105.1-22
Today’s Reflection:
This past Sunday at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we had the first in a series of Towne Hall Meetings. I began the evening with addressing an unsigned question about outreach. Since anonymous communication is “anathema” in my book, and since this was obviously an innocent question, with no underlying message, I used it to address the issue of anonymity. This post continues the excerpts from my teaching on anonymity. I hope it helps you…
And as long as we are on the topic of openness, did you know that board meetings are open? That’s right. You can attend any meeting you want as long as it is not in executive session. As a matter of fact, you can attend in my place! Just kidding! At times, board meetings may called in executive session, in which case only the elected board members and those they choose to invite would be allowed in attendance. But 99% of the time, the meetings are open for your observation. And, if you want to speak to the board, you can request – in advance – to be included on the agenda. You must ask in advance and share the nature of what you want to address, and the board or board chairman must approve of adding you to the agenda, but you can come!
Having said all that about openness, there are a few things that will not be aired publicly in the church:
· Personnel issues over which we are bound by law or courtesy or integrity or propriety to maintain privacy
· Issues that would impact one’s dignity
· Counseling
· Moral lapses not involving the congregation as a whole
So, the rule here is openness and transparency whenever possible. We just ask that you be open about the origin of any idea, question, comment, or concern. Is that fair?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
OT: Jeremiah 41-43
NT: Galatians 3
W&W: Psalm 105.1-22
Today’s Reflection:
This past Sunday at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we had the first in a series of Towne Hall Meetings. I began the evening with addressing an unsigned question about outreach. Since anonymous communication is “anathema” in my book, and since this was obviously an innocent question, with no underlying message, I used it to address the issue of anonymity. This post continues the excerpts from my teaching on anonymity. I hope it helps you…
And as long as we are on the topic of openness, did you know that board meetings are open? That’s right. You can attend any meeting you want as long as it is not in executive session. As a matter of fact, you can attend in my place! Just kidding! At times, board meetings may called in executive session, in which case only the elected board members and those they choose to invite would be allowed in attendance. But 99% of the time, the meetings are open for your observation. And, if you want to speak to the board, you can request – in advance – to be included on the agenda. You must ask in advance and share the nature of what you want to address, and the board or board chairman must approve of adding you to the agenda, but you can come!
Having said all that about openness, there are a few things that will not be aired publicly in the church:
· Personnel issues over which we are bound by law or courtesy or integrity or propriety to maintain privacy
· Issues that would impact one’s dignity
· Counseling
· Moral lapses not involving the congregation as a whole
So, the rule here is openness and transparency whenever possible. We just ask that you be open about the origin of any idea, question, comment, or concern. Is that fair?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Towne Hall Meeting: Openness, II
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 40
NT: Galatians 2
W&W: Ecclesiastes 12
Today’s Reflection:
This past Sunday at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we had the first in a series of Towne Hall Meetings. I began the evening with an unsigned question about outreach. Now, anonymous communication is “anathema” in my book, but since this was obviously an innocent question, with no underlying message, I decided to use it to address the issue of anonymity. This post continues the excerpts from my teaching on anonymity. I hope it helps you…
… Another thing: I don’t have time to worry with anonymous letters or responses. If an opinion is worth sharing, it is worth owning. By the way, when it comes to unsigned communication, I have one rule: ignore it. I always look for the signature first, if there isn’t one, I don’t read it. And I tell my staff the same thing. Period.
I need to address another practice of communication with you. You all have provided me with a wonderful secretary, Elaine. In addition to the work she does for the church, there is a great amount of work she does to help me in my job. Thank you! Let me tell you up front, Elaine has access to all my mail and email correspondence. She often reads it before I do. As a matter of fact I ask her to screen my correspondence – incoming and outgoing – for me. This does two things: 1) it keeps me accountable for the purity and appropriateness of my correspondence, including computer usage, and 2) it relieves me of the burden of over-communication. Now, you can have things confidential between you and me. If you want something to be confidential with me, speak to me directly or send it to me in written form clearly marked “confidential.” And for your own protection – not just with me but in general – remember that no computer correspondence is ever completely private. Be careful what you put in emails and on Facebook, etc. If it gets in the wrong hands it can go around the world quicker than you can say “World Wide Web.”
Also, as a matter of courtesy and efficiency, I will always tell you what an appointment is about when I make it. I ask that you do the same so I can be adequately prepared. None of us like surprises! Speaking of appointments, in this busy day, I like to have Elaine to schedule my visits with you. And sometimes schedules don’t mesh, and the phone works better than the car!
To be continued…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
OT: Jeremiah 40
NT: Galatians 2
W&W: Ecclesiastes 12
Today’s Reflection:
This past Sunday at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we had the first in a series of Towne Hall Meetings. I began the evening with an unsigned question about outreach. Now, anonymous communication is “anathema” in my book, but since this was obviously an innocent question, with no underlying message, I decided to use it to address the issue of anonymity. This post continues the excerpts from my teaching on anonymity. I hope it helps you…
… Another thing: I don’t have time to worry with anonymous letters or responses. If an opinion is worth sharing, it is worth owning. By the way, when it comes to unsigned communication, I have one rule: ignore it. I always look for the signature first, if there isn’t one, I don’t read it. And I tell my staff the same thing. Period.
I need to address another practice of communication with you. You all have provided me with a wonderful secretary, Elaine. In addition to the work she does for the church, there is a great amount of work she does to help me in my job. Thank you! Let me tell you up front, Elaine has access to all my mail and email correspondence. She often reads it before I do. As a matter of fact I ask her to screen my correspondence – incoming and outgoing – for me. This does two things: 1) it keeps me accountable for the purity and appropriateness of my correspondence, including computer usage, and 2) it relieves me of the burden of over-communication. Now, you can have things confidential between you and me. If you want something to be confidential with me, speak to me directly or send it to me in written form clearly marked “confidential.” And for your own protection – not just with me but in general – remember that no computer correspondence is ever completely private. Be careful what you put in emails and on Facebook, etc. If it gets in the wrong hands it can go around the world quicker than you can say “World Wide Web.”
Also, as a matter of courtesy and efficiency, I will always tell you what an appointment is about when I make it. I ask that you do the same so I can be adequately prepared. None of us like surprises! Speaking of appointments, in this busy day, I like to have Elaine to schedule my visits with you. And sometimes schedules don’t mesh, and the phone works better than the car!
To be continued…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Leadership and Openness, I
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 39
NT: Galatians 1
W&W: Ecclesiastes 11
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 40
NT: Galatians 2
W&W: Ecclesiastes 12
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 41-43
NT: Galatians 3
W&W: Psalm 105.1-22
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 44
NT: Galatians 4
W&W: Psalm 105.23-36
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 45-46
NT: Galatians 5
W&W: Psalm 105.37-45
Today’s Reflection:
Last night at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we had the first in a series of Towne Hall Meetings. To be honest with you, after seeing what was happening to our senators and congressmen and women, I approached this meeting with some fear and trepidation. God helped us get off to a good start, though!
I began the evening with addressing a question about outreach: “Pastor I was wondering about… any plans for outreach ministries.” The question was unsigned though a place for a signature was included. Anonymous communication is “anathema” in my book, but since this was obviously an innocent question, with no underlying message, I used it to address the issue of anonymity at the very beginning of our Towne Hall Meeting. What follows are excerpts from my teaching on anonymity. I hope it helps you.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you… As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also” (2 Corinthians 6.11, 13). The purpose of this Towne Hall Meeting is to open up dialogue between pastor and people and among the people as well. Anonymous communication does not open up dialogue, but closes it.
Let me tell you about my philosophy and practice of openness. I like to have your feedback. Many pastors I’ve talked to avoid this kind of thing like the plague. They hate it. And, we all know that there is always potential for misunderstanding or misuse. But, the returns given on an investment of openness and transparency – and even vulnerability – far outweigh the risks.
At this point I don’t have a history with you and there are no problems we need to address. Neither pastor nor people have an axe to grind, so this is the perfect time to establish our openness. Yet, I must remind you that for this to work in the way God wants it to, we must always be kind! All behavior, words or attitudes that do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) are out of order and will not be a part of our dialogue. Not only did Paul say he spoke freely to the church, he also said he opened his heart to them and he expected the same from them! Open communication requires an open and tender heart!
In our communication, we must avoid at all costs “triangulating,” the practice of talking to Jim about John and trying to win Jim to your point of view. That type of recruiting is not worthy of Christian fellowship. Frankly, “sanctifying” this practice (of triangulating) has cost the church more than any other misuse of communication. Don’t talk to me about him. Talk to him about him and to me about me. If you are afraid to confront someone, get on your knees and pray until God gives you the courage you need. If it doesn’t come, maybe it is not of God. Or, you may need someone to go with you. Ask me or another brother or sister, to go along. But, don’t ask someone else to carry your message on the condition of anonymity. Nothing divides the church quicker than that. It undermines trust in leadership and quenches the Spirit of love.
Though there is much more to share, I’ll close for today. I plan on continuing this series for the next few days, perhaps weeks as I attempt to answer the questions submitted for our Towne Hall Meeting. I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4.15).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24 (How sad that many of us – including me – know Romans 3.23, but we neglect the message of grace in verse 24!): 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
OT: Jeremiah 39
NT: Galatians 1
W&W: Ecclesiastes 11
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 40
NT: Galatians 2
W&W: Ecclesiastes 12
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 41-43
NT: Galatians 3
W&W: Psalm 105.1-22
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 44
NT: Galatians 4
W&W: Psalm 105.23-36
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 45-46
NT: Galatians 5
W&W: Psalm 105.37-45
Today’s Reflection:
Last night at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we had the first in a series of Towne Hall Meetings. To be honest with you, after seeing what was happening to our senators and congressmen and women, I approached this meeting with some fear and trepidation. God helped us get off to a good start, though!
I began the evening with addressing a question about outreach: “Pastor I was wondering about… any plans for outreach ministries.” The question was unsigned though a place for a signature was included. Anonymous communication is “anathema” in my book, but since this was obviously an innocent question, with no underlying message, I used it to address the issue of anonymity at the very beginning of our Towne Hall Meeting. What follows are excerpts from my teaching on anonymity. I hope it helps you.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you… As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also” (2 Corinthians 6.11, 13). The purpose of this Towne Hall Meeting is to open up dialogue between pastor and people and among the people as well. Anonymous communication does not open up dialogue, but closes it.
Let me tell you about my philosophy and practice of openness. I like to have your feedback. Many pastors I’ve talked to avoid this kind of thing like the plague. They hate it. And, we all know that there is always potential for misunderstanding or misuse. But, the returns given on an investment of openness and transparency – and even vulnerability – far outweigh the risks.
At this point I don’t have a history with you and there are no problems we need to address. Neither pastor nor people have an axe to grind, so this is the perfect time to establish our openness. Yet, I must remind you that for this to work in the way God wants it to, we must always be kind! All behavior, words or attitudes that do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) are out of order and will not be a part of our dialogue. Not only did Paul say he spoke freely to the church, he also said he opened his heart to them and he expected the same from them! Open communication requires an open and tender heart!
In our communication, we must avoid at all costs “triangulating,” the practice of talking to Jim about John and trying to win Jim to your point of view. That type of recruiting is not worthy of Christian fellowship. Frankly, “sanctifying” this practice (of triangulating) has cost the church more than any other misuse of communication. Don’t talk to me about him. Talk to him about him and to me about me. If you are afraid to confront someone, get on your knees and pray until God gives you the courage you need. If it doesn’t come, maybe it is not of God. Or, you may need someone to go with you. Ask me or another brother or sister, to go along. But, don’t ask someone else to carry your message on the condition of anonymity. Nothing divides the church quicker than that. It undermines trust in leadership and quenches the Spirit of love.
Though there is much more to share, I’ll close for today. I plan on continuing this series for the next few days, perhaps weeks as I attempt to answer the questions submitted for our Towne Hall Meeting. I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4.15).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.23-24 (How sad that many of us – including me – know Romans 3.23, but we neglect the message of grace in verse 24!): 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
WisdomIs Better
Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 34
NT: 2 Corinthians 11
W&W: Ecclesiastes 8
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 35-36
NT: 2 Corinthians 12
W&W: Ecclesiastes 9
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 37-38
NT: 2 Corinthians 13
W&W: Ecclesiastes 10
Today’s Reflection:
When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth
- his eyes not seeing sleep day or night - then I saw all that God has done.
No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun.
Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning.
Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Ecclesiastes 8.16-17
Solomon, The Teacher, was endowed by God with wisdom exceeding all his contemporaries. Yet, even he realized that what God does can never be totally understood by men. Still, he applied his mind to know wisdom and understand the purpose of man’s labor of life. He did so because – as he had stated earlier – “Wisdom is better than folly.”
So, even though you may not fully understand a subject, search it out as best you can! A thimbleful of understanding is far better than a bucketful of misunderstanding!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Moving on to Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
OT: Jeremiah 34
NT: 2 Corinthians 11
W&W: Ecclesiastes 8
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 35-36
NT: 2 Corinthians 12
W&W: Ecclesiastes 9
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 37-38
NT: 2 Corinthians 13
W&W: Ecclesiastes 10
Today’s Reflection:
When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth
- his eyes not seeing sleep day or night - then I saw all that God has done.
No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun.
Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning.
Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Ecclesiastes 8.16-17
Solomon, The Teacher, was endowed by God with wisdom exceeding all his contemporaries. Yet, even he realized that what God does can never be totally understood by men. Still, he applied his mind to know wisdom and understand the purpose of man’s labor of life. He did so because – as he had stated earlier – “Wisdom is better than folly.”
So, even though you may not fully understand a subject, search it out as best you can! A thimbleful of understanding is far better than a bucketful of misunderstanding!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Moving on to Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Words and Actions (Talking and Walking)
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Today’s Reflection:
How many times have we rolled your eyes at one who boasted of what he was going to do? Or how many of us have boasted about things we planned to do? And, don’t you find it humorous when sports teams or players “trash talk” about how they are going to defeat their opponents only to be defeated themselves? The words of the Old Testament ring true in this regard: “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20.11).
In my message on Sunday, I preached about the time that Jesus healed the paralytic (Mark 2). Before he healed him, he pronounced that the man’s sins were forgiven. Those “religious muckety-mucks” who were in the congregation that day got a little incensed: “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Jesus responded in an interesting way. He observed that it is much easier to say “Your sins are forgiven” than it is to say “Rise up and walk” to a paralyzed man. The results the first pronouncement cannot be observed and measured, but the results of the second one can be observed and measured.
From today’s New Testament reading, an alternate translation of 2 Corinthians 10.13 and 15 reminds us not to boast about “things that cannot be measured.” Instead we should boast about (report on) what can be observed and measured:
• Results, not intentions
• Actions, not motives
And, I would add, this “boasting” should be of such a kind that the results speak for themselves.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Today’s Reflection:
How many times have we rolled your eyes at one who boasted of what he was going to do? Or how many of us have boasted about things we planned to do? And, don’t you find it humorous when sports teams or players “trash talk” about how they are going to defeat their opponents only to be defeated themselves? The words of the Old Testament ring true in this regard: “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20.11).
In my message on Sunday, I preached about the time that Jesus healed the paralytic (Mark 2). Before he healed him, he pronounced that the man’s sins were forgiven. Those “religious muckety-mucks” who were in the congregation that day got a little incensed: “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Jesus responded in an interesting way. He observed that it is much easier to say “Your sins are forgiven” than it is to say “Rise up and walk” to a paralyzed man. The results the first pronouncement cannot be observed and measured, but the results of the second one can be observed and measured.
From today’s New Testament reading, an alternate translation of 2 Corinthians 10.13 and 15 reminds us not to boast about “things that cannot be measured.” Instead we should boast about (report on) what can be observed and measured:
• Results, not intentions
• Actions, not motives
And, I would add, this “boasting” should be of such a kind that the results speak for themselves.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Enjoy Life!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 32
NT: 2 Corinthians 9
W&W: Ecclesiastes 6
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 34
NT: 2 Corinthians 11
W&W: Ecclesiastes 8
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 35-36
NT: 2 Corinthians 12
W&W: Ecclesiastes 9
Friday’s Scripture Readings:OT:
Jeremiah 37-38
NT: 2 Corinthians 13
W&W: Ecclesiastes 10
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading (Ecclesiastes 6), The Teacher encourages us to enjoy the things God has given us. This advice impacts us in two distinct ways:
1. God made us to enjoy his creation! Don’t think that it is somehow “unspiritual” to enjoy, family, hobbies, friends, and life itself. We just need to remember, as Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth: “Those who buy something [should live] as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world [should live] as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7.30b-31). Enjoy these things, but don’t hold on too tightly!
2. As we enjoy what we have, we should guard against continually seeking more. Do we really need the latest model, the flattest screen, the fastest computer, the longest drive? Don’t keep seeking bigger, better, faster. Enjoy what you have! Enjoy it now!
I close this posting with a thought from today’s New Testament reading: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9.8)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Moving on to Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
OT: Jeremiah 32
NT: 2 Corinthians 9
W&W: Ecclesiastes 6
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 33
NT: 2 Corinthians 10
W&W: Ecclesiastes 7
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 34
NT: 2 Corinthians 11
W&W: Ecclesiastes 8
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 35-36
NT: 2 Corinthians 12
W&W: Ecclesiastes 9
Friday’s Scripture Readings:OT:
Jeremiah 37-38
NT: 2 Corinthians 13
W&W: Ecclesiastes 10
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading (Ecclesiastes 6), The Teacher encourages us to enjoy the things God has given us. This advice impacts us in two distinct ways:
1. God made us to enjoy his creation! Don’t think that it is somehow “unspiritual” to enjoy, family, hobbies, friends, and life itself. We just need to remember, as Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth: “Those who buy something [should live] as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world [should live] as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7.30b-31). Enjoy these things, but don’t hold on too tightly!
2. As we enjoy what we have, we should guard against continually seeking more. Do we really need the latest model, the flattest screen, the fastest computer, the longest drive? Don’t keep seeking bigger, better, faster. Enjoy what you have! Enjoy it now!
I close this posting with a thought from today’s New Testament reading: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9.8)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Moving on to Romans 3.22: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Godly Sorrow
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
Some thoughts from Thursday’s New Testament reading:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7.10). Because of that we can say with Paul – of ourselves or our friends – “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it… I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended…” (vv. 8-9, emphasis mine).
Godly sorrow should lead to:
Godly sorrow honors God and seeks genuine reconciliation through humility and repentance. Otherwise the sorrow is just a cover up for ungodly feelings. God doesn’t want us to dwell in sorrow, but through it to get to a place of joy and peace and victory. Sorrow is indispensable in that process, but it is the means, not the end of the journey.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
Some thoughts from Thursday’s New Testament reading:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7.10). Because of that we can say with Paul – of ourselves or our friends – “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it… I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended…” (vv. 8-9, emphasis mine).
Godly sorrow should lead to:
- Repentance over past failures
- Earnestness and eagerness to do what is right
- Indignation with yourself leaving a bad impression on others
- Alarm that you fell into sin
- Longing to be restored to full communion with Christ and his Church
- Concern that your behavior hurt others or led them astray
- Readiness to do whatever it takes to make it right
- A renewed sense of devotion to living a holy and uplifting life
- A desire to be encouraged in yourself and an encourager to others.
Godly sorrow honors God and seeks genuine reconciliation through humility and repentance. Otherwise the sorrow is just a cover up for ungodly feelings. God doesn’t want us to dwell in sorrow, but through it to get to a place of joy and peace and victory. Sorrow is indispensable in that process, but it is the means, not the end of the journey.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
May You Be Pleased to Give Them to Me
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Today’s Reflection:
Several years ago I was in the habit of praying the scripture found in Psalm 2.8: “Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
God reminded me of that in this morning’s Old Testament reading: “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people… and I give it to anyone I please” (Jeremiah 27.5).
God made Bethel and the people in it and around it. He will give this community to anyone he pleases.
Oh, God, give them to me! Give me their ears. Give me their hearts. Enable me to speak Your Word to them and enable them to hear. Give me these souls to feed and nurture, to love and care for, to win and disciple.
Do this so that they may become disciples of Jesus Christ:
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Today’s Reflection:
Several years ago I was in the habit of praying the scripture found in Psalm 2.8: “Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
God reminded me of that in this morning’s Old Testament reading: “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people… and I give it to anyone I please” (Jeremiah 27.5).
God made Bethel and the people in it and around it. He will give this community to anyone he pleases.
Oh, God, give them to me! Give me their ears. Give me their hearts. Enable me to speak Your Word to them and enable them to hear. Give me these souls to feed and nurture, to love and care for, to win and disciple.
Do this so that they may become disciples of Jesus Christ:
- Knowing God in Worship
- Showing Love in Friendship
- Growing up in Discipleship
- Going Out in Citizenship
- Sowing Seeds of Partnership
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How's Your Sight, II
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Today’s Reflection:
In Ecclesiastes, The Teacher said, “Wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness” (2.13). Even in his personal despondency and his despair of finding meaning in life, The Teacher saw that it is better to follow the path of wisdom and the way of light. The Teacher saw that wisdom was better than folly, light better than darkness – just on the basis of this life, not considering what comes after. How much more should we who know eternal life through Christ seek the path of wisdom, for we know that our physical death does not end our quest for God.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes that we have even more cause for hope and assurance and meaning: “If the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan [as did The Teacher!], longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling [longing for hope and meaning] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked… Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (5.1-3, 5)
How thrilling to know that there is a house we will one day inherit, a house that will stand forever!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Today’s Reflection:
In Ecclesiastes, The Teacher said, “Wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness” (2.13). Even in his personal despondency and his despair of finding meaning in life, The Teacher saw that it is better to follow the path of wisdom and the way of light. The Teacher saw that wisdom was better than folly, light better than darkness – just on the basis of this life, not considering what comes after. How much more should we who know eternal life through Christ seek the path of wisdom, for we know that our physical death does not end our quest for God.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes that we have even more cause for hope and assurance and meaning: “If the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan [as did The Teacher!], longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling [longing for hope and meaning] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked… Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (5.1-3, 5)
How thrilling to know that there is a house we will one day inherit, a house that will stand forever!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Monday, August 3, 2009
How's Your Sight?
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 25
NT: 2 Corinthians 4
W&W: Ecclesiastes 1
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading, The Teacher says: “the things that are done under the sun… are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1.14). When I read that it struck me that throughout the centuries of man’s existence, cities have been built, nations have prospered, technology has increased, and history has been made. All these accomplishments of great men and women will pass away. But what is done by a boy or girl of 10 years of age who accepts Christ as Savior will outlive not only these things but all things! Praise be to God!
The New Testament reading is related: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4.18). In agreement with The Teacher, Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, says that we must lift our eyes above the immediate and proximate which presses in on us. We can “see” the eternal unseen things only through the eyes of faith. But this sight is one of inestimable worth and benefit.
The Psalmist said it thus: “I lift up my eyes…” Look, up, friend. You will find hope in heaven!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
For August we are going to commit Romans 3.21-25 to memory. Let’s start with v 21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 25
NT: 2 Corinthians 4
W&W: Ecclesiastes 1
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 26
NT: 2 Corinthians 5
W&W: Ecclesiastes 2
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 28-29
NT: 2 Corinthians 7
W&W: Ecclesiastes 4
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 30-31
NT: 2 Corinthians 8
W&W: Ecclesiastes 5
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Worship and Wisdom reading, The Teacher says: “the things that are done under the sun… are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1.14). When I read that it struck me that throughout the centuries of man’s existence, cities have been built, nations have prospered, technology has increased, and history has been made. All these accomplishments of great men and women will pass away. But what is done by a boy or girl of 10 years of age who accepts Christ as Savior will outlive not only these things but all things! Praise be to God!
The New Testament reading is related: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4.18). In agreement with The Teacher, Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, says that we must lift our eyes above the immediate and proximate which presses in on us. We can “see” the eternal unseen things only through the eyes of faith. But this sight is one of inestimable worth and benefit.
The Psalmist said it thus: “I lift up my eyes…” Look, up, friend. You will find hope in heaven!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
For August we are going to commit Romans 3.21-25 to memory. Let’s start with v 21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
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