Pastor Scott's Reflections

Emergent Church

2010-08-28T10:25:00.002-04:00

I found the following statement on the emergent church from the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene to be reassuring. One of the main values of this article is that it helps us understand that we cannot paint all who use emergent language with just one brush:

Friday, August 27, 2010
Global Ministry Center
http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?id=10009517

As a denomination of 2 million members in 156 world areas, there are conversations on a variety of topics taking place within the Church of the Nazarene.
One discussion centers on "emergent" or "emerging" churches. This subject creates confusion and conflict in some circles. There are several issues related to "the emergent church." Some are helpful and positive; others are problematic and troubling. This is compounded because those who self-identify as "emerging" reflect a wide array of positions and perspectives and differ among themselves. There are authors with a significant readership who readily identify themselves as "emergent church leaders." They are aware of the Church's need to increase its engagement with society. Some are completely orthodox in their theology and views of Scripture, but others embrace positions that the Church of the Nazarene would view as unorthodox and therefore unacceptable.
Some of our pastors, superintendents, and lay members believe that there is a certain segment within the Church of the Nazarene who is embracing a new movement" filled with risks to our theological coherence as a denomination. They fear this direction will only serve to undermine the Church of the Nazarene with heresy. Their concerns are seemingly reinforced by a few "emergent" leaders who have made statements that to them are troubling. These comments reflect theological positions denying several of the basic tenets of Scripture and orthodox Christianity as held by the Church of the Nazarene in our Articles of Faith.
There are others within our denomination, including pastors, superintendents, and scholars, who view the concept of an "emerging" church as a positive and hopeful expression of what it means to be the Church. They are seeking to genuinely come to terms with ministry in a complex and rapidly-changing culture. Their goal is to demonstrate the relevance of biblical truth through incarnational and transformational living. This latter group is deeply committed to the authority and infallibility of the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives, communities, and nations. They are often engaged with the brokenness in society through active, compassionate ministries working diligently to bring renewal, conversion, and transformation.
The Board of General Superintendents neither endorses nor affirms "emergent churches" or leaders who are not orthodox in their theology. The recent statement issued by the BGS clearly articulates the position of the board in completely embracing the Articles of Faith, the values, and the mission articulated in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. (See "BGS Statements" on the nazarene.org web site.) The involvement of many Nazarenes in this conversation reveals a sincere desire to embrace our missional objectives. They are attempting to reach the emerging cultures around us while clearly articulating an orthodox interpretation of Scripture and theology.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism and a firm believer in the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify and cleanse the heart of all unrighteousness, was intentionally and forcefully engaged in the social needs around him. In that same tradition, P. F. Bresee established the first "Church of the Nazarene" with a focus on both the physical and spiritual needs of people while calling men and women to make a total commitment to Christ and to the fullness of the Spirit in cleansing and heart purity. This is the objective toward which Nazarenes, including those engaged in ministry to emerging cultures, are committed.
Any conversation of this nature carries with it the risk of being misunderstood or being classified with positions that are not healthy or appropriate. Issues involved in discussions such as these are often complex. The communication is sometimes at inappropriate volume levels. Nonetheless, it is our hope and prayer that those in the Church of the Nazarene who are engaged in this conversation will do so with grace and humility. We believe it is possible to move beyond mischaracterizations, embrace what is legitimate, and reject any unorthodox positions without hesitation. The Board of General Superintendents is engaged in study and conversations with numerous Nazarene scholars, pastors, districts superintendents, and laity on this subject. Each general superintendent continues in prayer and in a careful search for what is true and best in all things related to Scripture and mission. While the Board does not embrace anything that is heretical it does encourage healthy conversations among Nazarenes who are part of a holiness and Great Commission church. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ who lived, died, and was resurrected to save the lost and broken of the whole world. He is coming again, to set to right all things. The mission He gave to His Church was to announce and embody the Kingdom, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to visit the sick and imprisoned. His mission is our mission as well.

Unity before during and after Diversity

2010-08-12T16:20:00.002-04:00

For 40 days, I have been immersed in what I have come to call "The Promise of July 2, 2010." On That date - in my morning prayers - God spoke to me (not in an audible voice, but I'm just as certain it was him!) the word: "The kingdom of heaven is near." Since that time, He has been confirming and defining just what that means. It is exciting to see the picture develop before my spiritual eyes.

As I prayed earlier this week, God used some passages from Romans 4, The Message, to encourage my faith: "He [Abraham] didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. he plunged into the promise and came jup strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said... Abraham entered into what god was doing for him, and that was the turning point."

At Bethel Nazarene Church we have been praying about obtaining two modular classroom units. At a meeting leading up to our decision, I was asked, "How will you determine what God's will is?" To which I reponded, "I must trust the Holy Spirit to speak to and through The Church.

There is a process that we have been going through:

The leadership was made aware of the availability of the modular units.
The board was given all available information and asked to pray in prepration for a board meeting.
The congregation was informed and asked to pray as well.
An informal committee worked together to gather details and costs associated with moving and setting up the modular units.
The board the was given that information and they were asked to vote on what to do. The board voted to recommend to the congregation that we procure the units. The date was set for the congregational meeting.
We are now waiting for the congregation to speak (vote) to the issue.

At the board meeting, I shared with our church leaders the following...

It is important that - whatever we decide tonight - we remain united. I must trust that the Holy Spirit speaks in our deliberations and decision as much as He does in my own personal opinion. You must trust that the Holy Spirit speaks in this process as much as He does in your individual opinions. We must respct the Holy Spirit in each other and ultimately in us as a group.

As I have oten said, we must guard against "sanctifying" our opinions." Then, if it doesn't go "my way" I can be OK with it. I can rest knowing that the Lord has revealed His will through the collaboration of the Body. That is how I can then say, "I support the board fully in the direction we have set." And, I can say it honestly. As a matter of fact,I must say it honestly. There must be full support of all our decisions by every member of the board - even by those who are absent! That is how much we must trust the Holy Spirit's work in us. We owe as much to the church. For, if we cannot surrender our wills, how can we ever expect our congregation to do so?

Our people deserve to know that each of us has had a chance to:

pray
think
consider
express and
participate (vote)

Then, they deserve to know that the Holy Spirit is so at work in each of our hearts that we - after making a decision (voting) - can set aside human opinions in favor of diving wisdom.

We will be reaching a conclusion tonight about these modular classrooms. Before we do so, however, we must all reach the conclusion that - whatever the outcome - we will wholeheartedly support the will of God revealed through The Church.

Some of you may be thinking,"OK, Pastor, but what do you think? We would like to hear." (Or maybe not! It's a dream all pastors have!)

I have hesitated to express muy opinions too strongly on most issues. I am new here at BNC. You have been here much longer than I and know the people and the community. I have to trust you - and the Holy Spirit in you - to help me hear from God. That said, I don't want to use it as a cop-out either. I will tell you, then, that I am in favor of obtaining these modular classrooms. i feel that God - through the growing awareness of "The Promise of July 2, 2010" - has indicated to me to go ahead and get both units.

Now, we may arrive at a different conclusion tonight. But wherever we end up together I pledge the full force of my support behind the decision that you make.

That concludes my remarks to the board before we entered into the discussion about the modular units. And, as I indicated above, the board voted overwhelmingly to obtain the units.

Now it is up to us - the board and pastor - to reiterate the same sentiment. We have done our best to arrive at a recommendation. You have helped us by your prayers. We must now surrender even this decision to the will of God as revealed through His Church!

What a place to be! What release from worry! What relief knowing that God has it under control. Hallelujah! What freedom is ours in Christ!

Where art thou?

2010-08-03T08:33:00.003-04:00

In the beginning days of human history, God went looking for Adam, calling out "Where art thou?" (Genesis 3.9, KJV). Has the questioned changed much over the course of human history?

This past Sunday I referenced Mark 1.21-22 in my sermon: "They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching..."

"They went into the synagogue…" They went to the place where God’s people were meeting. We approach church attendance so lightly these days, but I believe Jesus still has the same habit and pattern: he goes to church on Sunday!

"The people were amazed at his teaching..." Who was amazed? It was the people "in church" on the Sabbath! Now, I know that the church service is not the only place we will find Jesus. But, our casual approach to the services of the church belies an underlying sentiment that missing church is not such a big deal. We won't miss much.

That is troubling on a couple levels. First, it is an indictment against the leaders of the church. It should cause pause to pastors, board members, Sunday school teachers, praise team members. Those of us who pray, plan, and present the services of the gathered Church must feel the sting of rebuke.

But, it is also an indication of spiritual hunger and thirst on the part of this generation. It seems we don't care if we miss Jesus! We know that Jesus said that when even just two or three gather together in his name he is there in the midst of them. But we - for some reason - choose to limp along in our spiritual lives… It’s because we are not serious or we’re not hungry enough to go where Jesus said he would be…

Oh Church! We want to be amazed, but where are we when our Amazing Lord shows up? Like an old preacher friend of mine used to say, “I don’t want to miss. I’m afraid they will ‘cut the cake!’”

They say it’s a generational thing or a post-modern thing… But, I say it has more to do with our spiritual appetites! The early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching… But within a generation the church had to be chided: Do not forsake assembling together as some are in the habit of doing…

You want God to bless your house? Sundays ought to find you in his house! You want to be amazed at Jesus? You need to be where he is! With the Church!

Where art thou?

Tribute to a Friend

2010-07-28T14:41:00.002-04:00

One of my dearest friends on earth passed away Monday morning. Don was a giant of a man: a man of faith, wisdom and insight; a philosopher and a scholar until the day he died. He finally succumbed to age and Parkinson’s. He was my kids’ grandfather-in-residence while we were raising our girls far away from family. We joined together with him and Marian, his wife, and two of his daighters as they were planting the Nazarene Church in Laurinburg, NC. That was the church I was in when God called me to preach.

Don’s shadow was the one resting over me as I prepared for ministry. Much of what I am today as a pastor can be traced directly to the sharp insight, challenging words, and skillful hands of Don Ekis. I have never gotten away from those probing conversations. Nor do I ever want to. Last spring, Lana and I planned to see him on our way to SC. When I contacted Marian, she responded, we are leaving that very day to go to Texas to be near Carolyn. Oh, no! I didn’t want to think of it, but I felt in my heart, “I’ll never see Don on this earth again.” Still, I held some glimmer of hope that somehow, somewhere, sometime, I would. On Monday, that hope was gone. It was over.

But, that hope is in heaven with Jesus! I will have to await my own arrival there for another conversation. But, thanks be to God, in Jesus it’s never over!

The Bible teaches us that God is leading us “in triumphal procession.” He is changing us from glory to glory. What was the former glory is nothing compared to the surpassing glory that is ahead. Thanks, Don, for showing us the way.

Wisdom

2010-07-14T09:45:00.003-04:00

In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable to teach us about the Kingdom of heaven:

1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

When I was a child I learned the little chorus at Vacation Bible School: "Give me oil in my lamp; keep me burning..." I'm glad that I was taught that song. That is a good sentiment for children of the Kingdom to have.

Do you have oil in your lamp? If you are wise you do. If you are wise, you will seek to understand just what that means and how you can accomplish it in your life.

God does not move on our timetable. As a matter of fact, he is not nearly as concerned about time as we are. He often delays his movement, but never without reason. As you wait for him to fulfill his purpose in your life, keep on trusting him - and keep oil in your lamp! Through a steady diet of prayer and God's Word you will keep your lamps filled. Prayer and God's Word are the jars in which we carry the oil of God's Spirit. If we fill up at the beginning of the day, we will have enough to get us through the day and the long night. But be careful! Do not think that you can do it just once and be done. When our lamps burn, they consume oil. We must fill them each and every day!

I have a friend who is facing a trial similar to the one I faced in 2008. When I saw him at a recent conference he shared with me all that has happened. My heart was broken, both for him and his wife and family, but also for my own sake as I relived the dark days from my past in his story. How similar are our stories! I was able to tell him that God is faithful! I remember how hard it was in those days - without any knowledge of what my future held and feeling forgotten by The Church. Yet in the dark night, God had not forgotten me. His presence sustained me. How? Through prayer and the Word of God. I literally spent hours with God each morning. But, oh how rich my life became! What a habit developed in my life! While it seemed to take way too long for me, the oil never ran out, and my hope was never depleted!

Take heart, my friend. God is with you and at the end of the long night the bridegroom will arrive. Keep your lamp filled!

Thoughts to Encourage

2010-06-30T09:24:00.003-04:00

Need some encouragement? Need to boost your faith? Turn to 2 Corinthians! I did!

"This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1.9b). I read this verse a few weeks ago as I was spiritually preparing for our Sunday service. I had asked people to pray for miracles of healing and deliverance. These wourds encouraged me as I remembered that answers to rayer come about not by my strength but by God's power! And, since God raised jesus from the dead it stands to reason that he can answer any prayer we present to him.

I had also read: "Our hope for you is firm" (2 Corinthians 1.7a). What an encouragment as I prayed for the people of my parish. I have a firm hope for them because God raised Jesus and he also raises us!

And finally: "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4.7). Don't panic or get discouraged over the weaknesses of the body, the vagaries of disease, the limitations of the mind, or the processes of aging. All these evidences of our "clay jars" serve to remind us that the power to work miracles is in God and not in us. How freeing when we realize that we can't do so many things. It's up to God! If we will let it, our very bodies' decay testifies to the power of God... Even in their weakness and mortality they point us to our sure and certain hop!

He Had to Go

2010-06-23T14:59:00.002-04:00

Well, that was quick. General McChrystal returned today and resigned today. While it was unfortunate that this happened at such an inopportune time, it was necessary for him to go. I'm glad he resigned. His behavior was an embarrassment to the American military. He may not have said extremely incendiary things himself, but he allowed an environment of disrespect to grow under his command. In the military, respect of command is extremely important.

I may not support everything that President Obama does, but here is one thing where I am behind him completely. He did the right thing. McChrystal had to go. Had President Obama failed to "accept his resignation" he would have critically undermined his already weakened ability to lead.

Lack of support of leadership is addressed in the Bible. I read just this morning that I am to: "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith... Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us [leaders]" (Hebrews 13.7, 17-18a). Paul was very supportive of the idea of giving support to leadership: "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13.7). Also: "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you" (1 Thessalonians 5.12).

These verses give us the biblical counsel regarding leaders. It's not our job to "fix" our leaders. We are to:

Remember them (Hebrews 13.7)
Obey them (Hebrews 13.17)
Pray for them (Hebrews 13.18)
Respect them (Romans 13.7 and 1 Thessalonians 5.12)

I've been in a position where those who report to me have failed to follow this biblical instruction. It always leads to confusion and pain. I also have been in positions where I could not stay because I was unable to follow one or more of these guidelines. Rather than making a fuss, I quietly sought to move out of the situation.

That is what McChrystal should have done. Instead of allowing - even encouraging - a culture of disrespect, he should have cleaned it up or gotten out long ago. Now we are extremely disadvantaged in a sensitive time in the prosecution of the war in Afghanistan. We can only pray that more lives won't be needlessly lost because of this extreme lack of judgment.

We should take a lesson from this moment in history, remembering this in our church relationships as well as our families and places of employment: Remember, obey, pray for and respect our leaders.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

2010-01-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

Today’s Reflection:

In the devotion book On the Road – which I am reading with my two sons-in-law – Marshall Duke has an article, “Are You Hurricane Ready?” He concludes with “Better check your armor, for certainly a storm is brewing.” Wise counsel. I wrote the following (plus some other stuff) to Jon and Eric.

I remember something I read years ago when I was studying for the ministry. The author said something like this, and I paraphrase: Where you think you are the strongest you are the weakest. You need to be aware that Satan will attack you there because you don’t feel you need to defend that area. I didn’t believe it at first, but years of experience – both as a pastor and as a man trying to follow God – have shown me how right he is. I have learned that it is where I may feel safest that I need to pray most faithfully, “lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.”

Several years ago I began praying – daily – that God would deliver me from certain things. The list started small – I think three things. Soon I added three more things. The funny thing was – I didn’t feel like I could stop praying about the first three. Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have added things occasionally. I actually have a list of them in my prayer book – just the first letters – so it maintains my privacy. I’ve prayed them so much, though, I have them memorized. It is humbling to know that I need so much grace! Today, I have 21 – that’s right 21! – things that I pray for victory over daily.

I use the Lord’s Prayer as my outline for prayer each day. When I get to the part where I pray, “and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,” I pray, “God deliver me from the evils of…” and then I recount each of the 21 things before God. God is helping me, daily, but I continue to need his strength and deliverance. I am so weak, but Jesus is so strong!

I hope you have a wonderful day. And, don’t forget to pray as Jesus taught us: “Lead us not into temptation.”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws

It’s Not My Job to Entertain You!

2010-01-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

Today’s Reflection:

I am reading the devotion book On the Road with my sons-in-law, and we have entered into a thirty day prayer covenant. Today’s devotion on page 21: “Raging Against Wise Judgment” was certainly challenging for father-in-law to son-in-law covenanters! Though the author talks about sexual temptation in his article, the Apostle James certainly doesn’t limit his passage to that narrow focus:

James 1.13-15: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

How hard it is to refuse to entertain the temptation! My natural desire says: I want to be angry! I want to keep that money I received by accident. I want to talk about my neighbor. But this passage does not let us off the hook ,does it? We, as Christian men and women, must refuse to even entertain the temptations that confront us every day due to our human desires. They become evil desires when we let them drag us away from our pure intentions and entice us to entertain the temptation. Even if I don’t act on the temptation, James says entertaining it is evil and it brings forth sin.

Before they ever become temptation, say to your desires: “It’s not my job to entertain you!” God, keep us pure!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Ezekiel 36.25-27: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws

Don't Get Bogged Down in the Blame Game

2010-01-05T09:55:00.001-05:00

Today’s Reflection:

John 9.3 says, “This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”

Jesus and his disciples were walking along and had come across a man born blind. The disciples were concerned with finding out who was responsible. “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Jesus told them they were looking at it all wrong.

We look at things all wrong so many times. Like the disciples, we try to assign blame and negative responsibility to “the man born blind” or to “his parents” for his condition. That is a

Backward looking
Blame seeking
Burden bearing

perspective. But Jesus turns all that around with his

Forward looking
Forgiveness granting
Faith resting

response. He said, in essence, “Don’t worry about assigning blame, rather concern yourselves with seeing God work in his life.”

What a great lesson for us today. Wherever we are, we are. Wherever the blind man is, he is. From this moment forward we can concern ourselves not with judgment and criticism, but with seeing God do a new thing in our lives or in the lives of those around us who are “born blind.”

My prayer for today is that God’s work will be displayed and that his glory will be revealed in our lives. What a great perspective! What great hope!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 119.11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

A New Format for a New Year

2010-01-04T09:33:00.002-05:00

Today's Reflection:

I have decided to make a change to my blog in 2010 to reflect a change in my personal reflection time. This year, I am not attempting to read the Bible through as I normally do. Instead, I have committed to the Lord to read the New Testament through each month: 12 times through Matthew-Revelation in 2010. I’ve done that once before, and while it is a challenge, it is very rewarding. With that in mind, I have decided not to publish daily scripture readings. I will continue to post a scripture to memorize.

If you would like to join me in the challenge to read the NT through monthly, here is the schedule I have laid out for it:

Week 1: John and Matthew
Week 2: Mark and Luke
Week 3: Acts through 2 Corinthians
Week 4: Galatians through Jude
Week 5: Revelation (Have to squeeze it into week 4 in February, as there are exactly 4 weeks in that month!)

If you read for 30 minutes each day, 5 or 6 days per week, you can keep the pace without hurrying. I have decided to do it in 5 days so that I can have Saturday to “catch up” if I get behind during the week.

God bless you as you read his Word!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 119.11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Avwee Boo’ful

2009-12-30T11:10:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-12-29T12:42:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-12-28T09:13:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-12-23T12:26:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-22T10:58:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-21T09:13:00.001-05:00

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…

2009-12-17T16:50:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-16T10:56:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-15T10:05:00.003-05:00

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:

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.
Prayer next – get to know God. Commune with God. Understand God’s will and Word. Worship God.
Then service – serve God. Serve him by serving others.
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…

2009-12-14T11:37:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-10T13:52:00.001-05:00

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…

2009-12-09T10:19:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-12-07T12:28:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-11-30T15:10:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-16T12:51:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-11-13T07:56:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-11-11T08:39:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-10T08:18:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-09T10:08:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-05T14:34:00.002-05:00

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?

2009-11-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-03T15:32:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-02T10:02:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-29T09:33:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-28T09:18:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-27T09:30:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-26T15:53:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-10-21T13:54:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-20T10:36:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-19T11:58:00.001-04:00

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.

2009-10-15T10:58:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-14T15:15:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-13T11:41:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-12T12:05:00.001-04:00

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.

2009-09-29T14:37:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-24T09:09:00.002-04:00

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:

An assumption of infallibility on the part of the champions of President Obama’s agenda. Or,
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

2009-09-23T15:32:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-22T11:34:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-09-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-09-17T07:38:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

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?)

2009-09-15T10:05:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-09-14T09:21:00.001-04:00

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.

Towne Hall Meeting – Music - IV

2009-09-10T09:32:00.000-04:00

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 7-8
NT: Colossians 3
W&W: Psalm 114

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 9-10
NT: Colossians 4
W&W: Psalm 115

Today’s Reflection:

In the Towne Hall Meeting, another person was wondering about… singing songs from our hymnal on Sunday mornings with the piano and organ. Following is my response:

We’ve addressed music already, but let me say that we are taking the approach of John Wesley when the great Methodist revival swept across Great Britain. We need to be sensitive to our target audience. The Wesleys used the music that related to the people of the day. They often borrowed barroom melodies and wrote Christian lyrics for them. Many who would attend Wesley’s field meetings felt uncomfortable in the Anglican Church. They felt out of place, and even unwanted. Wesley used music to bridge that gap and welcome the sinner home to the Savior.

We would all agree that we want young people and lost people to feel comfortable at our church. If we don’t make them feel welcome, our church will no longer exist two generations from now. But at the same time, we want to feed and nourish the souls of the saints.

The two goals are not antithetical. I had an eye-opening experience several years ago at Rick Warren’s church and David Jeremiah’s church. I attended Warren’s service on Saturday night. It was very informal with drama, contemporary choruses and a relaxed atmosphere and dress. Jeremiah’s service the next morning was very formal with pipe organ, 200 voice choir, and an orchestra leading in hymns. Both services were filled with people of every age. Music reaches people. But, if we take it and make it a wedge issue, it will divide us and we will be conquered. For us, a blend is needed. We can do it together! We can!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Towne Hall Meeting - Music, III

2009-09-09T10:47:00.001-04:00

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 6
NT: Colossians 2
W&W: Psalm 113

Today’s Reflection:

Continuing on the topic of our music at Bethel Nazarene Church…

We sing hymns and choruses together. And, I am glad, for the beautiful, theologically rich hymns are a staple of our experience of God. I think that the mix was working when I arrived, and it is still working. As far as singing them from the hymnal, that is not as easy as I thought it was. Our Worship Director can explain that for us… (Mark then did so, but I did not “capture” the content of his response. If you are interested, the audio is available on BNC’s website which can be accessed from my favorite sites.)

In response to another, related, question…

I once had an old and very wise evangelist tell me that he never closed an invitation until he had sung at least three verses. He said it took three times for the people to loosen up and respond. I’ve watched that since then, and I’ve found it to be true more often than not.

Sometimes we sing choruses three times in order to really let it penetrate into our hearts. I know that many of the old hymns – which have 3 or 4 or 5 verses – often have a chorus or refrain between each verse. It has been a part of the church’s music for generations – probably dating back to the chanting style worship songs sung by the early congregations – to repeat choruses to drive their message home. Even the Psalms, used in ancient worship, provide us evidence of reinforcement through repetition.

I trust the Lord to lead our worship director to fulfill his calling and assignment. And, by saying that, I am not passing the buck. If I feel the Lord saying to me that we need to make a change, I will not hesitate to instruct Mark. He works for me and we both know that I have the final say (humanly speaking) in our services. And, I accept responsibility for the content of our services.

Tomorrow we will finish up our series on the music at BNC!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Towne Hall Meeting – Music - II

2009-09-08T09:51:00.002-04:00

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 4-5
NT: Colossians 1
W&W: Psalm 112

Today’s Reflection:

In the Towne Hall Meeting, I have answered several questions about music. I am continuing my response below:

“Let me tell you what I told Mark from the beginning as far as how a service should flow:

Start on a pretty energetic tone.
Put a hymn or two in the beginning of the service if it fits.
Get me up to preach within 15 minutes whenever possible.
Work with me on the response song and let’s follow the lead of the Holy Spirit together.
After the prayer of response, let’s sing some songs that will transition us from meditative (prayer, surrender, obedience) to more celebrative. I want to go out on a high note, just like we came in on.
The announcements will continue to be a part of the offering time, but we will limit them and plan them in advance, asking our people to be more attentive to their bulletins. (By the way, that means I really don’t want you to give me announcements on Sunday morning if at all possible to avoid it. We need to plan a little further ahead when we can.)
I also told Mark that for the evenings, let’s keep doing what you’ve been doing as, except that I want to add a children’s sermon so I can minister directly to the kids. (That’s on top of my Smarties© ministry!)

Tune in tomorrow for more about the music at Bethel Nazarene Church!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Towne Hall Meeting, Music I

2009-09-07T11:19:00.001-04:00

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 2-3
NT: Philippians 4
W&W: Psalm 111

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 4-5
NT: Colossians 1
W&W: Psalm 112

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 6
NT: Colossians 2
W&W: Psalm 113

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 7-8
NT: Colossians 3
W&W: Psalm 114

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 9-10
NT: Colossians 4
W&W: Psalm 115

Today’s Reflection:

In the Towne Hall Meeting, I have answered several question about music. The first was submitted as follows: Pastor, I was wondering about: “our congregational singing on Sunday morning. Are we ever going to sing from our hymnals those beautiful hymns of faith and inspiration that have served the church so well in the past?” Below is the first part of my response:

“I’ve asked Mark to help me address that topic. But before he speaks, I want to tell you about how we plan the services. When I arrived, I didn’t want to change very much, and that included the way you were worshiping (except as you recall, I did move the offering to the end of the service). I did realize however, that there were some minor adjustments that I needed to make in order to reflect my style.

“I want to thank the board and Pastor Roberts for giving me such a helper as Mark Owen. He is a wonderful Christian young man and adds much to our services. It is a pleasure working with him. In the wisdom of Pastor Roberts, the church board, and even our DS (for he approved his remaining here during the interim), Mark was planning the music when I arrived. He was doing a great job from all I could tell. I knew that I wanted him to continue to express that God-given talent and call and that for that to happen, I should not limit him too much. I sensed that he was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and I liked his style. I knew we could work well together.

“As I observed the first couple of weeks, I thought it was a good blend of hymns and contemporary songs. I wanted Mark to keep things the way they were in that regard in order to reach a broad spectrum of people. I’m very pleased with the balance he has achieved.

Tune in tomorrow for more about the music at Bethel Nazarene Church!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 16.24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

I Choose to Follow Jesus!

2009-09-03T09:56:00.000-04:00

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:

The following questions were submitted to me at the Towne Hall Meeting by “An Old Lady” (I discussed anonymous communication in an earlier question. See my posts from August 17, 18, and 19 concerning “Openness”):
Are you visiting the sick from Church? Pastor Roberts is a hard one to follow. We were told you wanted to get back to visiting again.
Have you ever been on a mission trip?

This is a tough one to answer, because I know that there is no right answer. I read once that whether or not you think your pastor is a good pastor depends on if that pastor is doing what you think he or she should be doing. That makes sense. But, it sets the pastor up to fail – if he or she tries to model his ministry based on what others think.

But, let me hasten to say that I am glad that I am not “following” Pastor Roberts in this regard. If I placed that burden on myself, it would not be fair to me or to Pastor Roberts. It would certainly not be fair to you or to the Lord of the church who called me here to take the next step in our church’s great history.

I model my ministry based on what I understand Jesus did, based on what I read concerning how the Apostles and Paul conducted their ministries in the early church, based on Paul’s letters to the churches and pastors in the New Testament, and based upon what I feel the Lord leading me to do for the good people of Bethel Nazarene Church. If we finish these questions tonight – and as the Lord leads – perhaps I will preach a message next Sunday night on the role of the pastor. I’ve always wanted to do that, but I’ve been a little hesitant – even fearful. But, a dear friend of mine called me fearless last week, and I don’t want to disappoint her. Besides, it would only be helpful to us all to understand the biblical view together.

That said, I am visiting the sick from the church. I find it a little harder to do, but I also try to visit the sick of the church! And, yes, I am glad to be in a position where I can invest more in the pastoral care of my flock. I feel that that is an area of giftedness for me. At times, Lana joins me on those visits, but not always. I’ll get back to this in a moment.

Concerning mission trips, yes, I have been on several. Two out of the country – in Trinidad and in Canada, and two in the country – in Chattanooga and in Iowa.

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.

What Does the Pastor Do All Week?

2009-09-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Lamentations 3
NT: Philippians 1
W&W: Psalm 109.1-20

Today’s Reflection:

At the Town Hall Meeting, I answered the following questions:

What are the days and hours of the week you would prefer not to be disturbed?
What day is your “day off?”

I’m glad you asked that. I have given this a lot of thought in the last several months, and I have come up with an “ideal schedule.” Through prayer, and seeking the help of others, I have come up with a general pattern that I like to follow:

Mornings are my best time, so I need to spend that time – whenever possible – in the highest impact activities. For me that is preaching preparation, prayer, and personal formation. When possible, I try not to schedule appointments in the morning. I need that time with the Lord and to feed my soul. Afternoons are such that I am ready for more personal contact with people: pastoring.

Monday through Thursday, I usually get up between 5 and 5:30 and spend some time in prayer and Bible reading. My goal is to tithe my time, but I find that a hard goal to reach. Lana and I spend about 30-45 minutes together in the morning – on a walk and then breakfast and devotions. I usually arrive at the office at 8:30. On Tuesday mornings I have a meeting with Mark to review the weekend services and prepare the coming service.

I try to have the first draft of my morning sermon done by Tuesday noon. I want to give it to those preparing PowerPoint as early as possible. Sometimes, though, I don’t get it done until Sunday at 11:20! But, usually I’m pretty much done with it by Wednesday and don’t look at it again until Saturday. I try to finish my Sunday night teaching early in the week also.

Starting with lunch, I like to make appointments for pastoral visitation and administrative meetings. I also spend time in administrative tasks during the afternoons. The focus of my time varies depending on the needs present. If needed, my sermon preparation bleeds over into the afternoon.

I like to have everything done for the weekend by Thursday afternoon, because Friday is my day off. For that same reason, I prefer not to schedule meetings on Thursday evenings. (In the same way, I know you wouldn’t want to have meetings at work on Friday evenings.)

Friday I take the whole day off whenever I can, which is usually most weeks.

Saturdays vary depending on the church calendar. I don’t really have a set schedule except that I know I will be reviewing my sermon to add notes to it, re-reading commentaries, etc. If there is nothing pressing, I may not come into the office.

Do I stick with this schedule? Sometimes pretty close, but often I am not able to observe it “religiously.” That bothered me until I remembered what a pastoral coach once told me: “Make your ideal schedule, and if you can get to 50% compliance, you’re doing great.” I would say, by that standard, that I’m doing great.

Summary: I work Sunday through Thursday all day; I’m off on Fridays; and I take it easy on Saturdays as much as possible. I need undisturbed time in the mornings to adequately prepare for preaching and teaching the Word of God and for prayer.

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.

We Need More Space

2009-09-01T11:27:00.001-04:00

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Lamentations 2
NT: Ephesians 6
W&W: Psalm 108

Today’s Reflection:

One of the concerns at the Towne Hall Meeting was: “No one ever mentions the building fund. Is it still active? We need more space. Should we have an active push to save money for this? I think a member of the board should lead this effort.” Following is my response from the meeting:

The building fund is still active. However, to my knowledge, we do not have an active plan in place to encourage contributions to a capital project. I guess – as the new kid on the block – I would ask you: “Should we have an active push to save money for this?” Talk to me. As far as a board member leading it: I couldn’t agree more!

Let me talk for a moment about our stewardship. Stewardship is part of the “Sow Seeds of Partnership” component of being a disciple. (The other two ingredients are prayer and serving). The church board and I are floating the idea of having a stewardship team – apart from the finance team of the board. The stewardship team will be responsible for stewardship awareness, education, and special fund drives. I hope that we see some good progress on this by the first of 2010. If you are interested in Christian stewardship, please see me. We don’t have the team assembled yet!

Let me address the comment: “We need more space.” In my vast experience here I would both agree and disagree with that statement. Let me tell you what happened to me this morning. During Sunday school, I felt an inner compulsion to go into the basement of our education wing. So strong was the compulsion that I could not – not do it – even though it would make me late for the staff prayer time at 10:15. (My wife and my staff can tell you how I don’t like being late!) Now I know why I felt that compulsion: this question, which I didn’t answer until this afternoon required that I take that trip down there.

In the basement I was confronted by the Lord: “Pastor, why are these rooms empty?” That’s right – the rooms were empty! Oh, church, it breaks my heart to say it! The rooms were empty! Fans were running in two of the rooms, but no children were running in the hall. The air conditioners were making some noise but no teens were. Yes, they were at McDonalds, I know. I think God did sent me down there while the teens were gone on purpose so he could really drive this point home. Fill up those rooms! Do what it takes to make the rooms usable and fill up those rooms! Maybe it won’t work due to mold or low ceilings or whatever. I don’t know. But I do know this: getting more space will take a plan, and the first place we need to look is right under our nose, or – if you happen to be over there during Sunday school – right under your feet!

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.

Hitch Up the Horses: We're Headin' East!

2009-08-31T11:24:00.002-04:00

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.

Let It Be Us!

2009-08-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

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.

But Our Church Can Do Some Things

2009-08-26T09:58:00.003-04:00

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.

No Church Can Do Everything

2009-08-25T12:15:00.001-04:00

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.

Towne Hall Meeting, Outreach II

2009-08-24T08:50:00.002-04:00

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.

Towne Hall Meeting, Outreach, I

2009-08-20T08:50:00.001-04:00

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.

Towne Hall Meeting, Openness, III

2009-08-19T11:29:00.000-04:00

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.

Towne Hall Meeting: Openness, II

2009-08-18T08:56:00.001-04:00

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.

Leadership and Openness, I

2009-08-17T10:39:00.001-04:00

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.

WisdomIs Better

2009-08-13T09:19:00.001-04:00

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.

Words and Actions (Talking and Walking)

2009-08-11T12:35:00.001-04:00

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.

Enjoy Life!

2009-08-10T10:57:00.003-04:00

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.

Godly Sorrow

2009-08-06T11:54:00.002-04:00

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:

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.

If your feelings of sorrow become nursed hurts or if they result in bitterness toward another, or if they lead you to “campaign” to make it right, or if they cause defensiveness, or if they make you want to strike out at or vilify others, then you are not experiencing Godly sorrow, but worldly, death-producing sorrow.

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.

May You Be Pleased to Give Them to Me

2009-08-05T11:14:00.001-04:00

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:

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 for where you live.

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.

How's Your Sight, II

2009-08-04T10:41:00.001-04:00

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.

How's Your Sight?

2009-08-03T17:31:00.001-04:00

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.

Do You Always Want Your Way?

2009-07-29T13:31:00.001-04:00

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 17
NT: 1 Corinthians 15
W&W: Psalm 101

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 18
NT: 1 Corinthians 16
W&W: Psalm 102

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 19-20
NT: 2 Corinthians 1
W&W: Psalm 103

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 21-22
NT: 2 Corinthians 2
W&W: Psalm 104.1-23

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 23-24
NT: 2 Corinthians 3
W&W: Psalm 104.24-35

Today’s Reflection:

In 1 Corinthians 16, we get a glimpse into the interactions between New Testament leaders. Paul makes the statement, “Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity” (v. 12).

It is apparent that Paul and Apollos disagreed about when Apollos should go to Corinth. It seems possible – from the tone – that they may have disagreed even about whether or not Apollos needed to go at all. Paul thought that Apollos should go now. Apollos felt that now was not the time. Neither of them changed their mind – by evidence of what Paul wrote and by what Apollos did (actually what he didn’t do – go!).

These followers of Jesus Christ agreed to disagree. And, they were agreeable bout it! Both of them refused to make a “heaven or hell issue” out of it. They each had their opinion. They doubtless felt they had good reasons for their opinions as they kept their opinions. But, they extended grace to one another.

I found it interesting that - though Paul was the “ranking” leader – Apollos’ decision won the day. I wonder how many leaders are strong enough in their own egos to allow a subordinate to set a course different from what the leader thinks.

I entitled this post as “Do You Always Want Your Way?” Obviously, the answer to that question is “Yes! Of course I want my way. If I wanted something else, that would be my way!” The more important question to answer is this: “Must I always have my way?” Paul was willing to lay aside rights and privileges and power and authority in order to allow an emerging leader develop. May God give us in leadership grace like that!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put together that great passage in Matthew we’ve been working on all month. Matthew 7.7-12: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Don’t Be Stupid!

2009-07-23T10:43:00.001-04:00

Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 13
NT: 1 Corinthians 12
W&W: Psalm 98

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 14
NT: 1 Corinthians 13
W&W: Psalm 99

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 15-16
NT: 1 Corinthians 14
W&W: Psalm 100

Today’s Reflection:

I’m sitting here in beautiful San Diego, California awaiting the day to begin in earnest. Four of us are here (and one is arriving later today) for a conference at Point Loma Nazarene University. My schedule is disrupted – again – and so you have yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s scripture in one package.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians (a church that prided themselves on their spiritual giftedness): “Now, about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12.1). What an appropriate scripture for the day a group from our church is enroute to San Diego to learn about how to apply our strengths in the church! We are going to a Gallup Strengthsfinder© training event at Point Loma Nazarene University.

I don’t want to be ignorant about spiritual gifts, both for my sake and for the sake of the church I pastor. My prayer is this: “O God, help me understand and teach both spiritual gifts and personal strengths. Help me understand the difference between them. Help me to use this understanding in leading your church.”

One of the most important things to understand about spiritual gifts and personal strengths is this: God gives them by his grace:
· The gift, the talent is given not to me, but through me to the church.
· The gift, the talent is not for me; it is for you.
· When I exercise it in serving you, it is not from me, but from God.

How do you view your giftedness and talents? This scripture reminds us: “Don’t be stupid! The gifts are from God and for the church!”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Black and White

2009-07-21T11:16:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 12
NT: 1 Corinthians 11
W&W: Psalm 97

Today’s Reflection:

The Psalmist said, “Let those who love the Lord, hate evil” (Psalm 97.10).

When I read that scripture, my mind went to other verses in the Bible that help us understand and apply this:

John wrote: “Do not love the world or anything in the world…” (1 John 2.15).
David wrote: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers…” (Psalm 1.1).
David also wrote: “Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you?” (Psalm 139.21).
Jesus himself said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6.24).

The Bible is clear. We can’t have our feet in both camps. Are we for evil or for good? Do we love God or the world? Do we care about what God cares about or are we zealous for our own agendas? Every day, we make dozens of choices – some seemingly small and insignificant – that accumulate to build our character. Let’s choose God!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Commit Your Cause to God

2009-07-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 11
NT: 1 Corinthians 10
W&W: Psalm 96

Today’s Reflection:

The Biblical prophet said, “To you I have committed my cause” (Jeremiah 11.20b). Can you say the same?

Have you ever been misrepresented? Have you ever felt that your work was either forgotten or disparaged? Have you ever felt the need to defend your integrity or your intentions? How easy it is to forget that God can be trusted! How easy to want to manage our lives ourselves. How easy to think that we have to be concerned with our reputation and results.

How freeing it is to leave our reputations and the results of our labors in God’s hands! Pray this: “Lord I have committed my cause to you. I know you will do what is right by me and by my work. You see my heart and know my mind. Lord, in mercy forgive my lack of trust, in grace supplant my weaknesses, and in justice make my righteousness shine like the noonday sun.”

Happy Monday!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Fightin' Dogs

2009-07-17T17:38:00.001-04:00

Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 8
NT: 1 Corinthians 8
W&W: Psalm 94

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 9-10
NT: 1 Corinthians 9
W&W: Psalm 95

Today’s Reflection:

This week I attended the conventions on our district. One of the speakers asked us to consider The Apostle Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4.7). We need to ask ourselves what fight we’re fighting. Too many times, we are fighting the wrong fight.

In any one day, there are so many things that we could get riled up over, so many opportunities to send our blood pressure soaring. But, are these things the good fight? Next time someone cuts you off in traffic or snubs you in a public setting and you want to respond with anger, ask yourself, “Is that worth fighting for?”

Sometimes, the cause may be good, but we simply don’t have a dog in that fight. If we fight too many battles, if we try to focus on too many fronts, we won’t win any battles. I have been overwhelmed this week at assembly by all the ideas. I need to listen carefully to my Commanding Officer’s orders. He knows what battles I need to engage.

My schedule has been so crazy for so long that I wonder if it will ever settle down.

Lana is recovering nicely and we are getting ready for a trip to the west coast next week for a conference with 3 others from our church. The next week it is a family reunion in NW Ohio.

Have a great weekend.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.9-11: Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Do We Know How to Blush?

2009-07-14T14:34:00.001-04:00

Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 5
NT: 1 Corinthians 5
W&W: Psalm 91

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 6
NT: 1 Corinthians 6
W&W: Psalm 92

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 7
NT: 1 Corinthians 7
W&W: Psalm 93

Today’s Reflection:

Jeremiah 6.15 says, “They have no shame at all. They do not even know how to blush.”

How this describes our culture today. When entertainers can do any shameful thing and still be lauded for their “contributions to society” then I question what are we listening to and why. When politicians can say one thing while campaigning and then without so much as a blush say just the opposite, I feel a sense of hopelessness. When leaders decry – with great moral outrage – the sins of others and then are “caught with their pants down,” I wonder why they don’t listen to themselves.

Our great and free land is spiraling downward in the pursuit of pleasure and entertainment, in a mad rush to embrace relative truth, and in self-congratulatory hypocrisy. Are we being led by cultural icons, political pragmatists, and indulgent leaders to a place where we can no longer blush at sin?

I wonder.

But, there is hope in Jesus! He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” His Word is true and stands firm through the ages. He created all things and gives us life and hope, light and healing. We can turn to him with great confidence that he will heal our land. Our hope is indeed in him.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.9-11: Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Be Encouraged By God’s Word

2009-07-10T11:02:00.002-04:00

Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 2
NT: 1 Corinthians 3
W&W: Psalm 89.46-52

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 3
NT: 1 Corinthians 4
W&W: Psalm 90

Today’s Reflection:

After I went home last night, I realized that I had forgotten to post my blog yesterday! Again!!! I still haven't found the internet in Feesburg, so I just had to wait until today to post again. I'll get back in the groove of things next week! My week has been a bit unsettled with my wife's surgery and being out of the office a couple of days.

Another thing: I appreciate so much those who are followers of the blog. I haven't heard any comments in a while, though, so let me know if you are out there reading! Also, if you are a reader but haven't signed up to be a follower, please do so! I would love to know who is following and to receive comments from all of you.

How encouraging is God’s word to us. As I read Psalm 90, I was reminded that…

God is our dwelling place and will be forever!
We must take full advantage of every day, for we have been given only a certain number of days.
We are, therefore, to live with the wisdom given by God.
God will satisfy us in the morning with his eternal love.
We may thus sing joyfully all of our days.
As many (and more!) as are the days of our affliction so shall be the days of our blessings and victory.
Oh for the favor of God on us to establish the work of our hands!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.7-8: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.

I Appointed You as a Prophet

2009-07-08T10:21:00.002-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 1
NT: 1 Corinthians 2
W&W: Psalm 89.30-45

Today’s Reflection:

As I reflect on” today’s Old Testament reading, I rejoice that this is God’s Word to me.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.”

“Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you.” Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See today I put you over nations and kingdoms…”

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand… I am with you and will rescue you.”

(Jeremiah 1.4-10, 17-19, emphasis added)

What encouraging words for a preacher! But, this is God’s Word for you, too! Just this morning, I was speaking with our postman here at the church, and he was telling me about a book he wants me to read. He said, “It is a convicting book about witnessing to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. It really gets people on fire.” I liked that. I want to be on fire for God’s work. I want my church to be on fire for God.

As I said, Jeremiah’s prophecy is for you, too. Rejoice that God has set you apart as a witness for his Kingdom. Let him touch your mouth and give you words. Don’t be afraid!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.7-8: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.

Ask for Healing

2009-07-07T09:56:00.001-04:00

Yesterday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 64-65
NT: Romans 16
W&W: Psalm 89.1-13

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 66
NT: 1 Corinthians 1
W&W: Psalm 89.14-29

Today’s Reflection:

Sorry I missed posting yesterday. I was with Lana at the hospital. She is scheduled for gall bladder surgery today, and I need to run up there right now.

I thank God that we believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing. I thank God that he heals through the means of medical science as well as through miraculous interventions. I am confident that God will help the doctors and that he also will give Lana a specific touch of healing for her recovery.

As this week’s scripture reminds us: Ask and it will be given you! Join me in asking God for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! Also, if you have need of a touch from God, let me know. I will pray for you, too!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.7-8: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.

In the Morning

2009-07-03T08:32:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 63
NT: Romans 15
W&W: Psalm 88

Today’s Reflection:

The Psalmist said, “I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you (Psalm 88.13).

Is that your practice? To cry out to God in the morning? As I have read the Psalms, I have noticed several places where the morning prayer is mentioned. Several times in the New Testament, we find Jesus praying in the morning. I think it is a good discipline to engage in. I have made it my practice so long that it just doesn’t seem right to begin the day any other way. Besides, if I wait for the evening, there are so many things that pull me away from prayer that it just seems impossible to really develop a pattern.

God is faithful no matter when we pray to him, but if we will consecrate the day from the very beginning, most of us will develop a more consistent pattern of prayer. Too early? I know what you mean, but prayer is too important to leave to chance. Jesus himself had to get up before anyone else so he could find time alone with his Father. Not a bad idea for us, either!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Did you get the whole chapter? John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Setting the Bar High

2009-07-02T11:23:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 62
NT: Romans 14
W&W: Psalm 87

Today’s Reflection:

Romans 14 is a wonderfully challenging chapter in the Bible. Every Christian should read it regularly and it would be a help to anyone wishing to be a better person. In light of yesterday’s teaching from Romans 13 on our debt of love, it is particularly appropriate that Romans 14 deals very specifically with how we can make payments on that debt.

If you have ever – like me – been tempted to insist on your rights, hear again the Word of God from Romans 14:

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters (v. 1). For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (vv 7-8). Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way (v. 13). Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (vv 16-19).

High standards for us all. Don’t be negative, critical, judgmental, or selfish. Instead be positive, supportive, merciful, and gracious. Don’t look for what’s wrong; look for what’s right! Instead of trying to humble your brother or sister in a mistake, look for what is right and help him or her overcome his stumblings. Pick him/her up! Don’t add your criticism to his/her failure and thus drive them lower.

Let us perfect love and holiness in fear of the Lord!

The Church of the Nazarene elected another GS last night: David Graves. But, uh oh, John Bowling rescinded his acceptance as GS this morning. So they’re back to voting in Orlando. Pray!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Dare we try a whole chapter? If you have been working on this by the week, you will be able to do it! John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

IOU

2009-07-01T09:43:00.000-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 61
NT: Romans 13
W&W: Psalm 86

Today’s Reflection:

Romans 13.8 says, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”

As I write the blog this morning, I am listening to the proceedings of the General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene. At this moment, they are debating a resolution concerning care to immigrants, regardless of documentation and legal status. A delegate from a non-North American nation reminded us that there are millions of people who are “illegals” and “aliens” in their own land because of oppressive politics. It is in these very areas that the church is experiencing its most dramatic growth.

I have been an alien to God’s mercy, haven’t you? I am a debtor to love! God has so loved me that I must love my brother. There is no way that I could ever repay all God’s love, so I will have to make continual payments of love to those he loves! Praise the Lord! I will always be bound – in duty and in debt – to my Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

By the way, we have two new General Superintendents in the Church of the Nazarene: Eugenio Duarte (first non-American GS in the Church of the Nazarene!) and John Bowling (President of Olivet Nazarene University). Pray for these men and for the election of the third GS as the ballots are cast today.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Dare we try a whole chapter? If you have been working on this by the week, you will be able to do it! John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Our Land Will Yield Its Harvest

2009-06-30T13:59:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 60
NT: Romans 12
W&W: Psalm 85

Today’s Reflection:

The Psalmist said, “The Lord will indeed give what is good and our land will yield its harvest” (Psalm 85.12).

God gives what is good and the land yields its harvest from what God gives. God plants the good seed of life. We are the land that receives the seed of life. We do not create life. Only God creates life – “And God saw that it was good…”

Pray with me today, “Oh, God, here am I! Give what is good to my land, to my ministry. Without you, without your good gift no harvest will come.”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Dare we try a whole chapter? If you have been working on this by the week, you will be able to do it! John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Get Results! Praying for Answers

2009-06-29T10:53:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 59
NT: Romans 11
W&W: Psalm 84

Today’s Reflection:

David said in Psalm 138.3: “When I called, you answered me.” That’s a good thing, isn’t it? David prayed, and God answered. Do you want your prayers answered? That is why we pray, isn’t it? For answers?

Last night I taught on the subject: Get Results! Praying for Answers.

We pray for answers by:

Praying from a pure heart
Praying with right motives
Praying with sincerity and earnestness
Praying with faith
Praying until the answer comes

After David affirmed that God had answered him, he made an interesting statement: “When I called, you answered me. You made me bold and stouthearted” (Psalm 138.3). That sounds like a cause and effect relationship to me. Nothing will help us pray better than having our prayers answered. When our prayers are answered, our hearts are made strong in belief. We become emboldened to ask for greater things!

May God answer your prayers!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Dare we try a whole chapter? If you have been working on this by the week, you will be able to do it! John 1.1-10: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Zeal and Knowledge

2009-06-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 58
NT: Romans 10
W&W: Psalm 83

Today’s Reflection:

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Romans 10.2). He said elsewhere, “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good” (Galatians 4.18).

People today are zealous for many things. As I watched the news last night, I witnessed the reaction of people who were zealous for the entertaining ability of Michael Jackson. Stunned by his sudden death, people were scrambling to express their support of and appreciation for his musical talent. But often their zeal was only able to thinly cover concerns about his past. Isn’t it sad that his legacy is tainted by eratic, and eccentric, and quite dubious behavior. That zeal for his music must be tempered by the knowledge of his past?

But that is a fact of life. We need to be aware of what we are zealous for. And, when our zealousness proves to be misplaced, we should not be surprised. I know that I have been disappointed by the recent behavior of conservative leaders, and I’ve been burned more than once by placing hope and trust and public confidence in people…

But, when we are zealous for Christ, the risen Son of God, our zeal will never be misplaced. Such zeal is based on the knowledge of God’s Word and the goodness of God’s purpose. It will never be misplaced! Is your zeal based on knowledge? Is it for a good purpose? Know what you are zealous for!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Museum, Mothballed, Cruiseship or Battleship

2009-06-25T15:36:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 57
NT: Romans 9
W&W: Psalm 82

Today’s Reflection:

On the closing night of SWO Nazarene campmeeting, Evangelist Tim Hancock shared a message comparing the church to four different types of sailing ships.

Do we treat the church as one of the beautiful tall ships of old? Is the church like a museum, holding precious memories and offering nostalgic imaginations?

Does our church resemble a decommissioned warship, a mothballed vessel sitting at harbor and offering regular tours?

Perhaps we liken the church to a cruise liner. Everything on it is designed to make us “comfy” and offer us unimaginable luxury.

Or should we see the church as a battleship? On a battleship, the mission is preeminent over the memories. The members are not visitors coming for regular tours, but are committed sailors who stay with the vessel in safety and storm, in harbor and on hazardous journeys. The battleship, while serviceable, puts function over comfort.

May God enable us to see that the church is like a battleship, that we do have a mission, and that we have been commissioned in the spiritual warfare of the ages. We do not fight with the weapons of this world, nor do we measure success as does this world. Rather our victory comes when we are able to win the hearts and souls of people for whom Christ died and rose again.

All hands on deck! Battle stations!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

The Sound of the Guns!

2009-06-24T10:18:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 55-56
NT: Romans 8
W&W: Psalm 81

Today’s Reflection:

In the smoke and dense fog that would surround a Civil War battlefield, it was not always possible to see where you needed to go next. In days of Civil War battles, the good commanders would lead their units to “the sound of the guns.” They knew that this was where they were needed.

What about us in Christ’s army today? Do we go to the sound of the guns? Or, are we more concerned about our own safety and comfort? Isaiah 56 deals, in part, with making sure that the people of God are concerned about those who are strangers to mercy and forgiveness and life in Jesus. God says, “Let no foreigner…say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’ … These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56.3, 7).

God has a big mission! He has engaged the forces of evil to rescue people from sin and darkness. Christ has died on the cross, defeated the grave, and risen from the dead, and now he is working to bring his victory to all nations.

Can you hear the sound of the guns? Leave your comfort and go there. Put on the full armor of God and engage the battle! Christ is calling us to his battlefield of love and sacrifice. He is calling us to do nothing less than change the world!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

My Prayer Is Not Whimpering or Begging!

2009-06-23T10:25:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 54
NT: Romans 7
W&W: Psalm 80

Today’s Reflection:

I mentioned in yesterday’s post a quote from Nikos Kazantzakis in the Saviors of God: Spiritual Exercises, as quoted in A Guide to Prayer, pp 115-116. I want to continue it here:

My prayer is not the whimpering of a beggar nor a confession of love. Nor is it the trivial reckoning of a small tradesman: Give me and I shall give you.
My prayer is the report of a soldier to his general: this is what I did today, this is how I fought to save the entire battle in my own sector, these are the obstacles I found, this is how I plan to fight tomorrow.
My God and I are horsemen galloping in the burning sun or under drizzling rain. Pale, starving, but un-subdued, we ride and converse.
“Leader!” I cry. He turns his face towards me, and I shudder to confront his anguish.
Our love for each other is rough and ready, we sit at he same table, we drink the same wine in this low tavern of life.

May God bless us so that we can love him with this kind of fervent and hearty love!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Grrr!

2009-06-22T14:12:00.002-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 52-53
NT: Romans 6
W&W: Psalm 79

Today’s Reflection:

I had lunch with a new friend (and her family) on Father’s Day: Jess, a young lady who is going on the mission trip to Guatemala that our church is sponsoring. Anyway, as we were talking, she shared with me a ministry she is involved in in Lexington, through the church where she worships at college. It is a very “front-line” ministry. I was so proud of her as she told me about it. And I just told her to growl, “Grrr!” because I saw her as a tough warrior on the battlefield in the cause of Christ.

In my message yesterday, I shared the following from Nikos Kazantzakis in the Saviors of God: Spiritual Exercises, as quoted in A Guide to Prayer, pp 115-116:
I put my body through its paces like a war horse; I keep it clean, sturdy, prepared. I harden it and I pity it. I have no other steed.
I keep my brain wide awake, lucid, unmerciful. I unleash it to battle relentlessly so that, all light, it may devour the darkness of the flesh. I have no other workshop where I may transform darkness into light.
I keep my heart flaming, courageous, restless. I feel in my heart all commotions and all contradictions, the joys and sorrows of life. But I struggle to subdue them to a rhythm superior to that of the mind, harsher than that of my heart – to the ascending rhythm of the Universe.
The Cry within me is a call to arms. It shouts: “I, the Cry, am the Lord your god! I am not an asylum. I am not hope and a home. I am not the Father nor the Son nor the Holy Ghost. I am your General!
You are not my slave, nor a plaything in my hands. You are not my friend, you are not my child. You are my comrade-in-arms!
Hold courageously the passes which I entrusted to you; do not betray them. You are in duty – bound, and you may act heroically by remaining at your own battle station.
Love danger. What is most difficult? That is what I want! Which road should you take? The most craggy ascent! It is the one I also take: follow me!
Learn to obey. Only he who obeys a rhythm superior to his own is free.
Learn to command. Only he who can give commands may represent me here on earth.
Love responsibility. Say: ‘It is my duty, and mine alone to save the earth. If it is not saved; then I alone am to blame…

May God give us hearts like that, the kind of heart that will growl! Grrr!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Due Date!

2009-06-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 51
NT: Romans 5
W&W: Psalm 78.65-72

Today’s Reflection:

A little late getting started today. My 9-months pregnant daughter Jenny had a doctor’s appointment this morning (her due date) and the doc sent her on to the hospital. Seems like she was readier than we thought! Yay!

Both grandmothers are at the hospital with Jenny and Eric. I’ve been home with Avery, and just got her down for a nap. My middle daughter, Emily, is enroute from Charleston, and poor Amy is stuck in Michigan until next Wednesday! The “rival grandpa” is booked on a flight Tuesday. I wonder if he can wait that long!

God is so good to us. Have a great weekend. We will!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Leaders God Will Use

2009-06-18T09:51:00.000-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 50
NT: Romans 4
W&W: Psalm 78.56-64

Today’s Reflection:

In our last installment on the covenant between pastor and people, I refer again to Dr. Van Nest’s observation on the day of our installation: “In every covenant both sides have obligations, things they are called to.” As the new church board was installed, Dr. Van Nest charged them:

THE COVENANT AGREEMENT OF THE CHURCH BOARD:

To the newly elected Board Members: I want to give you this challenge, as you begin this journey together… in every thing that you do, put the kingdom of God first. In every decision you make, put the kingdom of God first. Let the kingdom of God be more important to you than your own desires, your own dreams, and your own opinions--put the kingdom of God first. And if you will do that as the leaders of this church, God will do incredible things in you and through you. God will do incredible thing in this place and in this community.

Do you believe that? And, do you accept that challenge to keep in step with God’s spirit, and put His Kingdom first in all things? If so, say we will.

As the church board of Bethel Church of the Nazarene agreed to do that very thing, to put the Kingdom of God first, they became leaders that God will use.

When we put aside our own agendas and our own programs, we allow God’s purposes to be formed in our hearts and minds. It is not automatic, nor is it easy, for a Christian to do. We must be continuously “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12.2). As long as we insist on our desires, dreams and opinions, we will use our energy in selfish ways. But, as we surrender our preferences for the good of the Kingdom, the Holy Spirit will then have “vessels fit for the Master’s use.”

Will you be a leader God can use? Let’s all be that together!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Precious Promises

2009-06-17T13:27:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 49
NT: Romans 3
W&W: Psalm 78.32-55

Today’s Reflection:

Dr. Van Nest, our district superintendent, reminded us in our installation service eon June 7: “In every covenant both sides have obligations, things they are called to…” Following are the agreements made by the congregation:

THE COVENANT AGREEMENT OF THE CONGREGATION:

Now, I’m going to ask you as congregation to stand together, because there is an obligation that falls on you as well. I want to read to you from, I Thess. 5: 12;
Now we ask you brothers to respect those who work hard among you who are over you in the Lord, and, to admonish you to hold them in the highest regard and love, because of their work.

You are called as a congregation, as the church family:

To hold up your pastoral family. Hold them up in love. they are to be a part of your prayers constantly. They are to receive from you, love and support and encouragement. That is not just a nice idea. That is the word of God. You are called to hold up, those who are over you in the Lord. They aren’t over you in the sense of power, but in the sense of care, nurture and love. And those who hold that position should be held by the body of Christ in the highest regard of love, because of their work. That is God’s call to you as a people.

The Bible also says you are to respect their leadership. Respect those who work hard among you, and are over you in the Lord. Respect the call that God has placed upon him. You are to be a positive support. You are to receive his leadership with an open heart.

And I ask you now as a congregation, as a church family: will you accept your side of the covenant, will you accept the obligations that God has set upon you, to hold this family up, in the highest regard and love, to pray for them, to love them, to support them, to respect their leadership, and to keep in step with God’s Spirit. If you will do that, will you say today, “We will.”

Answer: “We will!”

How precious are the promises of God’s people! Lana and I will benefit from the prayers, support, encouragement and respect of the congregation. We will do our best to be worthy of these precious promises.

I arrived in Georgia last night, hoping my arrival would stir Annabelle into action. But, alas, after a little scare she settled back down and we are still waiting for her to decide to join us in this great big world outside Mommy’s tummy. We are praying for her arrival yet today!

That would make this a great Wednesday. I hope you have one as well!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Be a Shepherd of God's Flock

2009-06-16T09:50:00.001-04:00

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 48
NT: Romans 2
W&W: Psalm 78.17-31

Today’s Reflection:

In the pastoral installation, Dr. Van Nest said that in every covenant both sides have obligations, things they are called to. Then he went on…

I’m going to begin today with the obligations that fall on you, Pastor. I want to read to you from 1 Peter 5.1:
To the Elders among you I appeal as a fellow Elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care. Serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be.
Pastor, be a shepherd of God’s flock. That is your call.
It is a call to feed those that are under your care. Feed them and nurture them as you proclaim to them in preaching and teaching the truth of God’s Word. Do so without fear and without compromise. As you do, see that they are growing in the image of Christ. Do all that you can to nurture them in their faith.
As a shepherd you are called to care for them. Walk with them through good and through bad. Be a symbol and representative of God’s love and God’s presence in their lives.
As a shepherd, you are called to lead them. In cooperation with the leaders of this church, you are called to seek God’s vision for this flock. Guide and direct them, keeping them in step with the Spirit of God.
And, Lana, I know that you are a critical part of the ministry of shepherding. You will work together in shepherding this church family: to feed them, to care for them, to lead them.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1, “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach…” While I am obligated to the church now because of the covenant we entered into, there is an a priori obligation such as that expressed by Paul. I am obligated because Jesus died for them and entrusted me with his message of love.

God has laid it on my heart to do three things. This is the only plan I have: Preach the Bible. Pastor the People. Pray. Preach, pastor and pray. As I look at the covenant we entered into, I realize that as I do the feeding (preach) and caring (pastor) that is mentioned in our covenant, and add to that prayer, then – and only then – will I be qualified to fulfill the third requirement of the covenant: lead.

So, let’s go!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.