Luke 17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
As I read this passage, the last words seemed to really jump out at me: "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." Jesus was talking to the Samaritan—the foreigner—his faith had just made him well.
As I read these words I wondered, “What made the other nine well?” Was it their faith? Was it simply the power of God? Did they think the priests did it? What was going through their minds?
I don’t really have an answer for these questions, but I am going to do some study and see what I come up with. I’ll share future insights in a post addendum at a later time.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Are We There Yet?
Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,' --this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question.
When I was growing up vacations were a real thrill. This was before the days of mini-vans. When we went on vacation, it was generally four adults and two children in the car. Granted cars seemed bigger back then, but still a five hundred mile trip in such cramped quarters was no piece of cake. Usually, my cousin Jeff went with us. I remember one trip where I lay on the back floor with adult legs over the top of me just to get some room. I also remember that between Jeff and me, there was always the brewing question: “Are we there yet?” or its cousin, “How far do is it?”
Being a parent, I now have those words come back to haunt me. Although my family does travel in a mini-van with more room than what I remember having, the questions of “Are we there yet?” and “How far is it?” still are heard.
As I read the passage above, I was struck by Jesus’ final response to the Scribe with whom he was conversing. He said, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” I sort of wondered, what the Scribe might be thinking.
One thought might have been, “What do you mean I’m not far. I thought I was already there?’ After all he was a learned man and seemed to have all the right responses to Jesus’ queries. Or, then again, perhaps he was thinking, “How far then do I have to go?” Maybe he realized that he wasn’t quite where God wanted him, and Jesus’ words may have reminded him of the little distance he still had to cover spiritually. Possibly he thought, “This man Jesus is wise. He’s given me something I need to think about?”
Regardless of the thoughts of the Scribe, Jesus’ question and answer session had made the crowd realize that they were not dealing with some half witted carpenter from Nazareth. This man Jesus had a wealth of wisdom about him that could not be ignored! The text concludes, “After that no one dared to ask him any question.” They realized that they had met their spiritual and, perhaps even, intellectual match. The words from his mouth made them stop and think.
Do they still make us stop and think? Do they still challenge us intellectually and spiritually? How far are we from the Kingdom of God?
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,' --this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question.
When I was growing up vacations were a real thrill. This was before the days of mini-vans. When we went on vacation, it was generally four adults and two children in the car. Granted cars seemed bigger back then, but still a five hundred mile trip in such cramped quarters was no piece of cake. Usually, my cousin Jeff went with us. I remember one trip where I lay on the back floor with adult legs over the top of me just to get some room. I also remember that between Jeff and me, there was always the brewing question: “Are we there yet?” or its cousin, “How far do is it?”
Being a parent, I now have those words come back to haunt me. Although my family does travel in a mini-van with more room than what I remember having, the questions of “Are we there yet?” and “How far is it?” still are heard.
As I read the passage above, I was struck by Jesus’ final response to the Scribe with whom he was conversing. He said, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” I sort of wondered, what the Scribe might be thinking.
One thought might have been, “What do you mean I’m not far. I thought I was already there?’ After all he was a learned man and seemed to have all the right responses to Jesus’ queries. Or, then again, perhaps he was thinking, “How far then do I have to go?” Maybe he realized that he wasn’t quite where God wanted him, and Jesus’ words may have reminded him of the little distance he still had to cover spiritually. Possibly he thought, “This man Jesus is wise. He’s given me something I need to think about?”
Regardless of the thoughts of the Scribe, Jesus’ question and answer session had made the crowd realize that they were not dealing with some half witted carpenter from Nazareth. This man Jesus had a wealth of wisdom about him that could not be ignored! The text concludes, “After that no one dared to ask him any question.” They realized that they had met their spiritual and, perhaps even, intellectual match. The words from his mouth made them stop and think.
Do they still make us stop and think? Do they still challenge us intellectually and spiritually? How far are we from the Kingdom of God?
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
A Sense of Urgency
Luke 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves."
The opening sentence of this passage catches my attention: "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit;” This sentence along with another: “Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert…” Convey a sense of urgency. I think that urgency has become something that is lost in our day and age. For most people, urgency no longer has any meaning because everything is now urgent. We have to answer the cell phone. We have to check email and respond. We have to answer the phone at dinner time. We have to…We have to… We have to.
I a world in which we feel we have to respond to each and everything, then nothing truly takes on a sense of urgency. When we are going 24/7/365 and there is no down time, then we might just miss the sense of urgency that comes from the call of the Spirit within our lives. In the Old Testament, there are several times that the voice of the Spirit is referred to as “a still small voice.” In most of our lives, we don’t hear still, small voices because there are so many busy and loud voices seeking our time and attention.
How busy is your life? Are you vigilant and ready for action or are you always acting at full throttle. There is a balance that we need to achieve in our relationship with God. Some of us need to get more alert and some of us need to slow down and listen. Which one are you?
Jesus said to his disciples, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves."
The opening sentence of this passage catches my attention: "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit;” This sentence along with another: “Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert…” Convey a sense of urgency. I think that urgency has become something that is lost in our day and age. For most people, urgency no longer has any meaning because everything is now urgent. We have to answer the cell phone. We have to check email and respond. We have to answer the phone at dinner time. We have to…We have to… We have to.
I a world in which we feel we have to respond to each and everything, then nothing truly takes on a sense of urgency. When we are going 24/7/365 and there is no down time, then we might just miss the sense of urgency that comes from the call of the Spirit within our lives. In the Old Testament, there are several times that the voice of the Spirit is referred to as “a still small voice.” In most of our lives, we don’t hear still, small voices because there are so many busy and loud voices seeking our time and attention.
How busy is your life? Are you vigilant and ready for action or are you always acting at full throttle. There is a balance that we need to achieve in our relationship with God. Some of us need to get more alert and some of us need to slow down and listen. Which one are you?
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Someone at My Side
Luke 10:1-7a
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid."
This passage offers a lot to discuss. However, what strikes me most is the concept of the Lord appointing persons to go ahead of him in pairs. Ministry is often seen as a Lone Ranger type of profession. The vast majority of pastors tend to be solo pastors. Some might have part time staff, but in most churches, the pastor is the chief cook and bottle washer.
What caught my attention in this passage was the choosing of 70 to help him in spreading the word and the fact that when he did send them forth he sent them in pairs—not as solo ministers. Perhaps this is something that we should take a closer look at in the church. This scene is reminiscent of the Old Testament story of Moses. He, too, was acting as a solo pastor. One day, his father in law, suggested that he was taking too much of the burden upon himself. He needed to find other men to help him settle the disputes that were continually coming up among the Israelites. Moses listened to the wise counsel of his father in law and got men to help him.
I think that pastors need men and women that are willing to come along side them and help them with the tasks involved in ministry. If anyone wants to help, just give me a call. I’ll find some way to integrate you into the ministry of the church so that you can do effective ministry and so that the church might prosper in it’s ministry.
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid."
This passage offers a lot to discuss. However, what strikes me most is the concept of the Lord appointing persons to go ahead of him in pairs. Ministry is often seen as a Lone Ranger type of profession. The vast majority of pastors tend to be solo pastors. Some might have part time staff, but in most churches, the pastor is the chief cook and bottle washer.
What caught my attention in this passage was the choosing of 70 to help him in spreading the word and the fact that when he did send them forth he sent them in pairs—not as solo ministers. Perhaps this is something that we should take a closer look at in the church. This scene is reminiscent of the Old Testament story of Moses. He, too, was acting as a solo pastor. One day, his father in law, suggested that he was taking too much of the burden upon himself. He needed to find other men to help him settle the disputes that were continually coming up among the Israelites. Moses listened to the wise counsel of his father in law and got men to help him.
I think that pastors need men and women that are willing to come along side them and help them with the tasks involved in ministry. If anyone wants to help, just give me a call. I’ll find some way to integrate you into the ministry of the church so that you can do effective ministry and so that the church might prosper in it’s ministry.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Judgment Awaits
Luke 11:29-32
When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, "This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!"
As I read this passage, I cannot help but notice the word judgment. In our day and age of political correctness, it is a word that is not often heard. When it is heard, it bears negative or pejorative connotations. None of us like to be judged. None of us like the feeling of being put under the microscopy and closely examined and in the end found wanting or lacking. Yet, judgment is a part of the process. God must act as a righteous judge and hold us accountable for our actions.
The last time I looked, my actions were not all that good. I try to be a godly and upright man, but still I lose my temper or do something that is less than Christ like. I look at myself and think of judgment and shudder.
Then, I remind myself that the judgment for my sins has already been accounted for. My Lord, Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and removed the weight of judgment from me. I stand now not as a quaking sinner before an angry God, but as a follower of Jesus Christ before and loving heavenly Father.
The Good News for you, is that you to can replace judgment with forgiveness. It starts with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you want more information on how to do that, then start a thread to the blog and I will be glad to converse with you about the subject.
When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, "This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!"
As I read this passage, I cannot help but notice the word judgment. In our day and age of political correctness, it is a word that is not often heard. When it is heard, it bears negative or pejorative connotations. None of us like to be judged. None of us like the feeling of being put under the microscopy and closely examined and in the end found wanting or lacking. Yet, judgment is a part of the process. God must act as a righteous judge and hold us accountable for our actions.
The last time I looked, my actions were not all that good. I try to be a godly and upright man, but still I lose my temper or do something that is less than Christ like. I look at myself and think of judgment and shudder.
Then, I remind myself that the judgment for my sins has already been accounted for. My Lord, Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and removed the weight of judgment from me. I stand now not as a quaking sinner before an angry God, but as a follower of Jesus Christ before and loving heavenly Father.
The Good News for you, is that you to can replace judgment with forgiveness. It starts with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you want more information on how to do that, then start a thread to the blog and I will be glad to converse with you about the subject.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Stranded on a Desert Island
13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:13-17
Every now and then I like to watch the TV reality show Survivor. I’m not a die hard fan that won’t miss an episode, but I do enjoy the episodes that I get a chance to watch. I often wonder whether or not I am survivor material. Then I think about the lack of food and the lack of water. Growing up as I have, firmly entrenched in the middle class, I don’t think I have a clear idea of what hunger or thirst is all about. The most that I have ever endured is a few hours without food so that I could take some medical test. As for water or some form of liquid, I can’t recall and extended period when these items were not available. Thus, I have never really had a thirst because of my physical condition.
The fourth stanza of the hymn “I Love to Tell the Story”, says this:
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
‘twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
This stanza reminds me that while I may not have experienced a physical hunger or thirst, I have experienced the spiritual equivalent. My soul longs to hear the “old, old story” that has shaped who I am and that has shown me God’s plan and purpose for my life. As it says in the Scripture:
16Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.
Jesus has promised us that our deepest spiritual hungers and thirsts will be met by an ever flowing spring of living water that comes from him. Spiritually, I recognize that many times I have been thirsty. I have been in desperate need of the nourishment that comes from God’s word and the grace that comes from the sacrament of Holy Communion. Praise God that this hunger and thirst can be satisfied in ways that I do not fully understand.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Who are the Lost Sheep
Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.
It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord opens our eyes when we read the Scripture. I have read the passage above numerous times over the years. For me, it was always somewhat perplexing. I never quite understood the interaction that was going on between Jesus and the woman. This morning, though, I gained an insight.
In the passage, Jesus says that he “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Here we have a woman that was a Canaanite. Clearly she was not of the house of Israel. She was not one of the lost sheep. She was an outsider. Yet, something inside of her knew that Jesus was a man of power that could deliver her daughter from her torment. She kept calling out and following along behind.
Finally, Jesus answers her with these words: "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." These were the words that had always perplexed me. I suppose, if I had given them enough thought or took the time to really study the passage they would have made more sense. Jesus is basically saying, “I have come for the children of Israel, it wouldn’t be fair for me to expend time and energy on you, a Canaanite woman, that is not a part of Israel.”
Her response though shows Jesus that she has a comprehension of God beyond the normal level-- "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." She knew that as an outsider, she was considered to be like a dog. Yet, she also knew that there was a master—a God—that was supreme. At his table all that believed would receive blessing.
Jesus response, makes it clear that her faith and belief made here prayer come true. "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Much like the woman with an issue of blood, who knew that if she could but touch the hem of his robe she would be healed, this Canaanite woman, knew that coming to Jesus—her Lord and Master—she would receive answers to her prayer.
As I think about the implications of this passage, I wonder who the children of Israel are today? As a Christian, we would equate the church as being the ones to whom Jesus came. If this is so, who are the Canaanites today in our society? Who are the people that are clearly outside the chosen ones. If we take seriously John 3:16 in which Jesus makes it clear that God so love the world that he gave...then we have to begin to realize that those outside of God’s love are going to be pretty hard to find. Because God’s love is for everyone.
If God’s love is for everyone, then who are we to exclude anyone from the ministry and love of the church? These are the kinds of questions this passage has raised in my mind. What are your thoughts on the matter.
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.
It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord opens our eyes when we read the Scripture. I have read the passage above numerous times over the years. For me, it was always somewhat perplexing. I never quite understood the interaction that was going on between Jesus and the woman. This morning, though, I gained an insight.
In the passage, Jesus says that he “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Here we have a woman that was a Canaanite. Clearly she was not of the house of Israel. She was not one of the lost sheep. She was an outsider. Yet, something inside of her knew that Jesus was a man of power that could deliver her daughter from her torment. She kept calling out and following along behind.
Finally, Jesus answers her with these words: "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." These were the words that had always perplexed me. I suppose, if I had given them enough thought or took the time to really study the passage they would have made more sense. Jesus is basically saying, “I have come for the children of Israel, it wouldn’t be fair for me to expend time and energy on you, a Canaanite woman, that is not a part of Israel.”
Her response though shows Jesus that she has a comprehension of God beyond the normal level-- "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." She knew that as an outsider, she was considered to be like a dog. Yet, she also knew that there was a master—a God—that was supreme. At his table all that believed would receive blessing.
Jesus response, makes it clear that her faith and belief made here prayer come true. "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Much like the woman with an issue of blood, who knew that if she could but touch the hem of his robe she would be healed, this Canaanite woman, knew that coming to Jesus—her Lord and Master—she would receive answers to her prayer.
As I think about the implications of this passage, I wonder who the children of Israel are today? As a Christian, we would equate the church as being the ones to whom Jesus came. If this is so, who are the Canaanites today in our society? Who are the people that are clearly outside the chosen ones. If we take seriously John 3:16 in which Jesus makes it clear that God so love the world that he gave...then we have to begin to realize that those outside of God’s love are going to be pretty hard to find. Because God’s love is for everyone.
If God’s love is for everyone, then who are we to exclude anyone from the ministry and love of the church? These are the kinds of questions this passage has raised in my mind. What are your thoughts on the matter.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Back from Vacation
The family has just returned from a week at the Massanutten Resort near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was a great week. The kids had plenty of time to get in the pool and exhaust themselves. The definig moment of the trip, however, was a day at the Massanutten Resort Water Park. From 11:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. the boys--as well as mom and dad-- were wet. There were slides, pools, lazy rivers, lily pad rope crossings, more slides, more pools--it was great. Daivd's remark was, "This is the most fun I have ever had."
It was indeed a good time for the family to unwind. In addition to the water park, there was a magic show, and a down hill slide on a rubber tube at the snow tubing park. There was also putt-putt golf. Of course, we also saw plenty of deer. The boys got up late. Played hard all day. Went to be late and had fun. I highly recommend such a time away for any family.
It was indeed a good time for the family to unwind. In addition to the water park, there was a magic show, and a down hill slide on a rubber tube at the snow tubing park. There was also putt-putt golf. Of course, we also saw plenty of deer. The boys got up late. Played hard all day. Went to be late and had fun. I highly recommend such a time away for any family.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
How to Pray Daily
One of the hardest things for most people to do is to establish a daily time for prayer and meditation. Throughout my ministry, this has been a struggle for me as a pastor. I tend to go through times of feast--and times of famine.
If you are reading this blog, that indicates that you are more than likely computer literate. You probably spend more than a few minutes at your computer each day. I would like to suggest that you check out a site called SacredSpace.org. This site is run the the Jesuits in Ireland. Lest you get confused, I am United Methodist. However, when it comes to spirituality and prayer, you can't beat the Jesuits, so I heartily recommend this site.
Sitting in front of your computer, you can, in about 10-15 minutes, work through a time of prayer that will help you examine your thoughts and actions and encourage you to ponder a passage of Scripture to see what God is saying to you.
More than likely, some of those reading this have an i-pod or mp3 player. If you are an on the go type of person, the Irish Jesuits have just started a daily prayer guide in audio format that you can listen to anywhere you might have your i-pod or mp3 player. The site is called Pray-As-You-Go.org at this site you can download and listen to these audio prayer guides. Five new guides are published each week. Best of all, it is FREE! You can support the site with a donation if you so desire, but it's not required.
Check out these prayer aids. I believe your prayer life will get stronger.
If you are reading this blog, that indicates that you are more than likely computer literate. You probably spend more than a few minutes at your computer each day. I would like to suggest that you check out a site called SacredSpace.org. This site is run the the Jesuits in Ireland. Lest you get confused, I am United Methodist. However, when it comes to spirituality and prayer, you can't beat the Jesuits, so I heartily recommend this site.
Sitting in front of your computer, you can, in about 10-15 minutes, work through a time of prayer that will help you examine your thoughts and actions and encourage you to ponder a passage of Scripture to see what God is saying to you.
More than likely, some of those reading this have an i-pod or mp3 player. If you are an on the go type of person, the Irish Jesuits have just started a daily prayer guide in audio format that you can listen to anywhere you might have your i-pod or mp3 player. The site is called Pray-As-You-Go.org at this site you can download and listen to these audio prayer guides. Five new guides are published each week. Best of all, it is FREE! You can support the site with a donation if you so desire, but it's not required.
Check out these prayer aids. I believe your prayer life will get stronger.
A Fulfilled Life
Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus said to the crowds, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
One of the things that people look for in life is fulfillment. That is an interesting word that has at its root the word fulfill. According to Dictonary.net, fulfill means--. To fill up; to make full or complete. As humans, we want completeness. We want wholeness. We want to know that we have accomplished something with our lives that will make a difference in the long term. We want to be fulfilled and to experience fulfillment.
In the passage from Matthew, Jesus talks about the fact that he has come “…not to abolish, but to fulfil. (the Law)” The Law given to Moses in the Ten Commandments and further expanded by God through Moses, was the basis for the Jewish relationship with God. The Covenant was the deal that God struck with the people that said, basically, “If you obey my laws, I will be your God and bless and protect you.”
The only problem with this scenario is that the people were a stiff necked people that continually broke the Law. They were unable to follow it and so God had to resort to plan B. He had to send his Son, Jesus, the Christ, into the world. His job was not to do away with the Law. Rather, he came to fulfill—to make complete the Law. The Law provided a good basis for relationship with God, the only problem was our ability to keep the Law.
Jesus gave us a completion of the Law. He was able to keep it. He was able to make it complete and full in his life. Through his fulfillment of it, we were offered a new covenant. Through his death, he made the ultimate sacrifice that fulfilled the Law and ushered in a new relationship, not based upon the keeping of commandments, but centered, instead, on the grace of a God that so loved the world, that he was willing and able to give his own son to the world as a sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. This was the fulfillment. God made everything right between us—through Jesus Christ.
If you are not a Christian, I am sure the following paragraphs have many words, terms, and phrases that make no sense to you. If you want to respond to this blog with your questions, I will be more than glad to try and answer them.
Jesus said to the crowds, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
One of the things that people look for in life is fulfillment. That is an interesting word that has at its root the word fulfill. According to Dictonary.net, fulfill means--. To fill up; to make full or complete. As humans, we want completeness. We want wholeness. We want to know that we have accomplished something with our lives that will make a difference in the long term. We want to be fulfilled and to experience fulfillment.
In the passage from Matthew, Jesus talks about the fact that he has come “…not to abolish, but to fulfil. (the Law)” The Law given to Moses in the Ten Commandments and further expanded by God through Moses, was the basis for the Jewish relationship with God. The Covenant was the deal that God struck with the people that said, basically, “If you obey my laws, I will be your God and bless and protect you.”
The only problem with this scenario is that the people were a stiff necked people that continually broke the Law. They were unable to follow it and so God had to resort to plan B. He had to send his Son, Jesus, the Christ, into the world. His job was not to do away with the Law. Rather, he came to fulfill—to make complete the Law. The Law provided a good basis for relationship with God, the only problem was our ability to keep the Law.
Jesus gave us a completion of the Law. He was able to keep it. He was able to make it complete and full in his life. Through his fulfillment of it, we were offered a new covenant. Through his death, he made the ultimate sacrifice that fulfilled the Law and ushered in a new relationship, not based upon the keeping of commandments, but centered, instead, on the grace of a God that so loved the world, that he was willing and able to give his own son to the world as a sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. This was the fulfillment. God made everything right between us—through Jesus Christ.
If you are not a Christian, I am sure the following paragraphs have many words, terms, and phrases that make no sense to you. If you want to respond to this blog with your questions, I will be more than glad to try and answer them.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Deaths in the Church-A Time for Ministry
The last few weeks have been a difficult time for our church family. We have experienced the death of four of our elderly members. Two were aged 97, one aged 92, and the other, I believe was 86. Our church family will miss: Wilda Witt, Evelyn Canterbury, Lotus Reed, and Mary Helen Puckett. At one time each of these women left their mark upon the life of the church. All left their mark upon their families.
Their deaths, however, have shown me the strength and compassion of the church. Three of the deaths were within a week of each other and two of the deceased were buried on the same day. The women of the church, however, made sure that the families were fed a hearty meal. Preparing food on one day for a combined 70 or so people--they showed their love and comapssion by ministering to the families at the time of their loss. That is what a church is about--ministering at the time of need.
I thank the Lord for women's groups that take on such a ministry and for the comfort they provide for the deceased families.
Their deaths, however, have shown me the strength and compassion of the church. Three of the deaths were within a week of each other and two of the deceased were buried on the same day. The women of the church, however, made sure that the families were fed a hearty meal. Preparing food on one day for a combined 70 or so people--they showed their love and comapssion by ministering to the families at the time of their loss. That is what a church is about--ministering at the time of need.
I thank the Lord for women's groups that take on such a ministry and for the comfort they provide for the deceased families.
Dealing with Sickness in the Family
As you can see, it has been a while since my last blog. Several factors have contributed to the delay in my blogging activity. Among them has been the, now past, Lenten/Easter season. This is a busy time for a pastor. Also, personally, this has been a dreadful winter and spring for my family. Our over all health has been awful. As I write this I am being treated for strep throat. If my calculations are correct, this is the 13th episode within my family since January. My son Jacob had so many infections he eventually had to have his tonsils removed. Please keep my family in your prayers. We are surviving, but this continued on slaught of sickness gets to be tiring after a while.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Walking the Labyrinth
Wednesday February 22, 2006
I walked my first labyrinth today. It won’t be the last. I am at Minister’s Convocation at Lake Junaluska and they have a turf labyrinth outside the chapel.
I have heard of labyrinths and, while at the lake, I purchased a book on labyrinths. I also did some online study.
You enter the labyrinth on a set of stepping stones. I paused and entered into an experience that was unknown to me. I began by saying the Jesus Prayer as I walked. I had to keep my eyes on the path. They first few turns came quickly, but then I entered into the first of several long arcs. My mind was trying to equate this journey of a few steps with a spiritual journey of a lifetime.
I quickly realized that a labyrinth is much longer than it seems. What is only a few feet in diameter unravels into yards of waking the path. With each step, though, I knew the center was drawing closer. After about 4-5 minutes, I arrived.
The center was in the shape of a three leaf clover. I stood on the stem of the clover and looked at the three leavers. Immediately, my mind said—TRINITY—and I equated one leaf with God, one with Jesus, and one with the Holy Spirit.
What I won’t forget is what I saw in the Jesus leaf—I saw a picture of Christ’s agonized face on the cross—there in the grass. I looked harder and I could still see it. I gazed at it for a while.—thankful for his agony on my behalf. I then looked at each of the other leaves and thought of the attributes I associated with each one: God—Father, creator, law giver: Jesus—savior, companion, friend: Holy Spirit—sustainer, truth giver.
After about a minute, I decided it was time to move from this sacred space and go back to the secular world that was just steps away. As I journeyed outward—my spirit was lifted. I found myself smiling—almost laughing—with each successive step.
I came to the end of the labyrinth. I paused. I made the sign of the cross and I stepped across the stones and back into the world.
My first journey was over and the desire for another was kindled.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Different Kinds of Vacations
i was reading an article this morning written by a pastor giving advice to pastors about time management. In the article he talked about taking time off. For him, a few days here and there was what he needed for his own renewal, but he also realized that his family needed a longer time away, so he viewed vacations as being for them--not him.
I have struggled with the idea of family vacations. With four boys, a family vacation often leaves me tired and hoping for a quick end to the trip. Most of our family vacations involve water. We either go to the beach or to a place with plenty of swimming pools. We usually try to get in at least two visits to the water feature each day. By the time I've helped to wrangle and watch four kids at the waterside, I am tired and ready to call it a day. For me this is not a vacation. For the boys, though, it is just short of heaven.
I suppose the article got me to thinking. What I really want is a little time by myself and some time with my wife everyo now and then. I think that I will begin looking at my vacation time differently in the years ahead. There will be that large block of time for family vacation, but I now think there must also be those smaller times for me personally to refresh myself and another time for Debbie and I to renew our relationship.
I wonder what your philosophy about vacations is? Share some thoughts on the issue. Make a reply to this blog.
I have struggled with the idea of family vacations. With four boys, a family vacation often leaves me tired and hoping for a quick end to the trip. Most of our family vacations involve water. We either go to the beach or to a place with plenty of swimming pools. We usually try to get in at least two visits to the water feature each day. By the time I've helped to wrangle and watch four kids at the waterside, I am tired and ready to call it a day. For me this is not a vacation. For the boys, though, it is just short of heaven.
I suppose the article got me to thinking. What I really want is a little time by myself and some time with my wife everyo now and then. I think that I will begin looking at my vacation time differently in the years ahead. There will be that large block of time for family vacation, but I now think there must also be those smaller times for me personally to refresh myself and another time for Debbie and I to renew our relationship.
I wonder what your philosophy about vacations is? Share some thoughts on the issue. Make a reply to this blog.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
The Sounds of Silence
The other night at our Ancient Prayer Practices study, we were studying the role of solitude and silence in our prayer life. As a group, we set aside five minutes to go and be silent. I went into the sanctuary. I immediately noticed that it was going to be hard to have silence. We have a heating system that circulates hot water through pipes in our floor. In the "silence" of the sanctuary, you could hear the gurgling of the water in the pipes. To me it reminded me of the sound that your stomach makes when you get hungry. At that point, I knew that God was speaking to me in the silence.
My mind began to fill with images of hunger and promises of God's fulfillment of that hunger. I knew that God was giving me a mini-course in letting him satisfy the hungers of my soul. It also was a neat way for me to share with the class when we got back together.
Anothe person heard the same gurgling sound and was reminded of the fact that when she goes on a retreat, she likes to find a place near a stream so that she can sit and listen to the water and let God refresh her.
That night, God used the sounds that intruded upon our silence to teach all of us some very important lessons.
My mind began to fill with images of hunger and promises of God's fulfillment of that hunger. I knew that God was giving me a mini-course in letting him satisfy the hungers of my soul. It also was a neat way for me to share with the class when we got back together.
Anothe person heard the same gurgling sound and was reminded of the fact that when she goes on a retreat, she likes to find a place near a stream so that she can sit and listen to the water and let God refresh her.
That night, God used the sounds that intruded upon our silence to teach all of us some very important lessons.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
We Have Found Him...
John 1:43-51
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
As a parent, one of my worst fears is losing one of my children in a crowded store. I don’t know how I would respond in the ensuing search, should one of my boys become lost, but I do know that I would shout at the top of my lungs, “We have found him!” when my child was found.
In today’s Gospel lesson, Philip encounters Jesus and becomes a follower. He goes to Nathanael and says the words, “We have found him about whom Moses…and the prophets wrote!” I don’t know the level of enthusiasm in his voice, but I can imagine that Philip was quite excited with the news that he had to share with Nathanael. Philip was asserting that this man Jesus was the one for which the Jews had been waiting. The Messiah was in their midst and he was the man Jesus. Philip couldn’t wait to share what he had learned.
I wonder, how many of us have that same kind of enthusiasm. When was the last time that any of us boldly went to a relative or friend and said, “I have found him—the one who is the savior of the world. Come and meet him!” It’s sad to say, but for most of us, such statements are few and far between. We simply don’t have the enthusiasm for our faith that we need to have. We let moments slip by rather than stepping up and speaking out. It’s time for that to change.
This year, I hope that all of us can find at least one person that we can step up to and share the Good News with. Begin praying today for that person to come your way and for the boldness to speak up when the time comes.
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
As a parent, one of my worst fears is losing one of my children in a crowded store. I don’t know how I would respond in the ensuing search, should one of my boys become lost, but I do know that I would shout at the top of my lungs, “We have found him!” when my child was found.
In today’s Gospel lesson, Philip encounters Jesus and becomes a follower. He goes to Nathanael and says the words, “We have found him about whom Moses…and the prophets wrote!” I don’t know the level of enthusiasm in his voice, but I can imagine that Philip was quite excited with the news that he had to share with Nathanael. Philip was asserting that this man Jesus was the one for which the Jews had been waiting. The Messiah was in their midst and he was the man Jesus. Philip couldn’t wait to share what he had learned.
I wonder, how many of us have that same kind of enthusiasm. When was the last time that any of us boldly went to a relative or friend and said, “I have found him—the one who is the savior of the world. Come and meet him!” It’s sad to say, but for most of us, such statements are few and far between. We simply don’t have the enthusiasm for our faith that we need to have. We let moments slip by rather than stepping up and speaking out. It’s time for that to change.
This year, I hope that all of us can find at least one person that we can step up to and share the Good News with. Begin praying today for that person to come your way and for the boldness to speak up when the time comes.
Monday, January 02, 2006
What Do You Say About Yourself?
John 1:19-28
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
A few years ago, when I lived in Chilhowie, Virginia, I was out driving one night in Marion, Virginia. I pulled into the parking lot of a store and a police car pulled in behind me. Before I could get out of my car the officer got out of his car and came to my window. He informed me that my license tag sticker was two years out of date. He then said, “Who are you?” My response was, “I am a United Methodist minister.” I don’t know why he asked who I was rather than what my name was. I don’t know why I answered with the label of who I am rather than my name, but I did. My answer was like letting the air out of his balloon. I had the feeling that he was about to read me the riot act. However, when he learned I was a minister, he said, “You guys have a hard job. Tell you what I’m going to do. You get a new sticker first thing Monday morning and we’ll let it go at that.” I avoided a ticket that night and I’m not sure why, other than I was a minister. I don’t know what was going through the officers mind, but something was and my being a minister made him react in a different sort of way.
This was the problem that John the Baptizer faced as he was questioned by the representatives from the Temple. “Who are you?” They then went through a list of who they thought that he might be. He denied being the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet. Well, that left them perplexed. They had run out of options, they then asked, “What do you say about yourself?” He then went on to explain who he was in his own terms rather than in their terms. This meant that he knew his mission. It meant that he knew his reason for being. He knew specifically what God had called him to do and he was doing it.
I wonder how you would answer that question, “What do you say about yourself?” How would you explain yourself and God’s activity in your life? Think about it and share some of your thoughts with me.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
A few years ago, when I lived in Chilhowie, Virginia, I was out driving one night in Marion, Virginia. I pulled into the parking lot of a store and a police car pulled in behind me. Before I could get out of my car the officer got out of his car and came to my window. He informed me that my license tag sticker was two years out of date. He then said, “Who are you?” My response was, “I am a United Methodist minister.” I don’t know why he asked who I was rather than what my name was. I don’t know why I answered with the label of who I am rather than my name, but I did. My answer was like letting the air out of his balloon. I had the feeling that he was about to read me the riot act. However, when he learned I was a minister, he said, “You guys have a hard job. Tell you what I’m going to do. You get a new sticker first thing Monday morning and we’ll let it go at that.” I avoided a ticket that night and I’m not sure why, other than I was a minister. I don’t know what was going through the officers mind, but something was and my being a minister made him react in a different sort of way.
This was the problem that John the Baptizer faced as he was questioned by the representatives from the Temple. “Who are you?” They then went through a list of who they thought that he might be. He denied being the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet. Well, that left them perplexed. They had run out of options, they then asked, “What do you say about yourself?” He then went on to explain who he was in his own terms rather than in their terms. This meant that he knew his mission. It meant that he knew his reason for being. He knew specifically what God had called him to do and he was doing it.
I wonder how you would answer that question, “What do you say about yourself?” How would you explain yourself and God’s activity in your life? Think about it and share some of your thoughts with me.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Go Now and See
Luke 2:15-21
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
“Let us go now…and see…” There is something about the immediacy and intimacy of these words that we cannot overlook. Our faith has to be a go now and see kind of faith. We don’t get closer to God by sitting back and listening to what someone else tells us about God. To get close to God, we have to be willing to go and see what God is all about. We have to be willing to enter into a relationship with God through his son Jesus. That means we’ve got to get to know Jesus.
We can do this through the Bible. We can also do this through prayer. Likewise, we can do this through the faces of those we serve. After all, Jesus said, “What you have done for the least of these, you have done for me.”
As we begin this new year, it is time for all of us to take a go now and see attitude. If our church is going to reach its full potential for God, then all of us need to step up and step out in faith looking for the places to which God is calling us and then boldly going there to do the ministry to which we have been called.
Are you ready to go now and see what God has in store for you?
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
“Let us go now…and see…” There is something about the immediacy and intimacy of these words that we cannot overlook. Our faith has to be a go now and see kind of faith. We don’t get closer to God by sitting back and listening to what someone else tells us about God. To get close to God, we have to be willing to go and see what God is all about. We have to be willing to enter into a relationship with God through his son Jesus. That means we’ve got to get to know Jesus.
We can do this through the Bible. We can also do this through prayer. Likewise, we can do this through the faces of those we serve. After all, Jesus said, “What you have done for the least of these, you have done for me.”
As we begin this new year, it is time for all of us to take a go now and see attitude. If our church is going to reach its full potential for God, then all of us need to step up and step out in faith looking for the places to which God is calling us and then boldly going there to do the ministry to which we have been called.
Are you ready to go now and see what God has in store for you?
Looking Ahead at 2006
As I begin the year of 2006, there are some goals in my ministry that I hope to achieve. The following, in no order of importance, are some of the things I hope to achieve this year:
Bible Studies—I want to offer a study of the United Methodist view of Holy Communion and Baptism. I also want to offer a study on Healing and Wholeness.
Prayer Studies/Practices –I want to teach a series of sessions on various forms of prayer so that you might be exposed to different ways of praying. I then want to begin a Sunday night Vesper service where we will use the various forms of prayer that we have learned. Once a month, I want the Vesper service to have a time for laying on of hands in prayer and anointing with oil for healing.
Worship—Following the communion study, I want to celebrate weekly communion during the season of Lent. Yes, I said weekly. I know this is unusual, but I think it could be beneficial. I also want to form teams that will take communion to our homebound members on a regular basis.
Evangelism – I want to offer a class on evangelism. I want to continue to pursue servant evangelism projects.
Visitation – I hope to visit each homebound member on an every other month basis.
Fellowship – I hope that we can find some way to make regular Wednesday night meals happen at the church.
Communication – I want to continue the monthly newsletter. I want to establish and internet presence with a church web site. I want to continue to send out the Pastor’s Connexion to everyone that has an email that will receive it. I want to continue the Pastor’s Ponderings blog and hope that many of you will become regular readers of it. I also hope to produce a series of DVD’s that will explain some of the ministry opportunities available at the church and one that can be given to visitors to introduce them to the church.
Finances – I want to begin to help us see a more realistic view about our church finances and help you see where it is that the money you give goes and what good it does in Jesus’ name. There is also some talk of a financial stewardship campaign for the fall months.
Personal Devotions – I have begun a regular devotional time using www.sacredspace.com I intend to keep this practice up. I also desire to set some time away 2-3 times this year for personal prayer retreats.
Well, these are some of the things I have been thinking about as 2006 begins. Give me your feedback on some of them or let me know what you are planning for 2006.
Bible Studies—I want to offer a study of the United Methodist view of Holy Communion and Baptism. I also want to offer a study on Healing and Wholeness.
Prayer Studies/Practices –I want to teach a series of sessions on various forms of prayer so that you might be exposed to different ways of praying. I then want to begin a Sunday night Vesper service where we will use the various forms of prayer that we have learned. Once a month, I want the Vesper service to have a time for laying on of hands in prayer and anointing with oil for healing.
Worship—Following the communion study, I want to celebrate weekly communion during the season of Lent. Yes, I said weekly. I know this is unusual, but I think it could be beneficial. I also want to form teams that will take communion to our homebound members on a regular basis.
Evangelism – I want to offer a class on evangelism. I want to continue to pursue servant evangelism projects.
Visitation – I hope to visit each homebound member on an every other month basis.
Fellowship – I hope that we can find some way to make regular Wednesday night meals happen at the church.
Communication – I want to continue the monthly newsletter. I want to establish and internet presence with a church web site. I want to continue to send out the Pastor’s Connexion to everyone that has an email that will receive it. I want to continue the Pastor’s Ponderings blog and hope that many of you will become regular readers of it. I also hope to produce a series of DVD’s that will explain some of the ministry opportunities available at the church and one that can be given to visitors to introduce them to the church.
Finances – I want to begin to help us see a more realistic view about our church finances and help you see where it is that the money you give goes and what good it does in Jesus’ name. There is also some talk of a financial stewardship campaign for the fall months.
Personal Devotions – I have begun a regular devotional time using www.sacredspace.com I intend to keep this practice up. I also desire to set some time away 2-3 times this year for personal prayer retreats.
Well, these are some of the things I have been thinking about as 2006 begins. Give me your feedback on some of them or let me know what you are planning for 2006.
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