Gospel of Luke ~Tuesday November 30

Chapter Three Tuesday, November 30, 2010

“John went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Luke 3:3

Don’t you just love John the Baptist!? He is a bit scruffy, does his own thing, lives in the wilderness, smells a little ripe, and carries the potent image of the great prophet Elijah in his soul. He calls it like he sees it!

Even though he carries the mantle of Elijah, he captures his preaching theme from the writings of the prophet Isaiah. From Isaiah 40 we hear him speak to the people about his authority to call them to repentance.

Take a moment to read Isaiah chapter 40, you will be glad you did. It will provide you with a great blessing.

It all begins with a word of comfort for the people of God. Have you ever needed comfort? Then it flows to a powerful message about the Word of God and the image of the shepherd who tenderly cares for the flock. But the last words of Isaiah 40 are really my favorites. In fact, the words of Isaiah 40:31 are painted on the top tube of my favorite bicycle as a reminder that the power of God can overcome anything.

That’s why I love John the Baptist--he is an overcomer. Nothing stops him or his message. In fact, he ultimately gave his life for his faith in Jesus and his commitment to the message of repentance.

Do you hear his message? As we draw closer to the celebration of Christmas, are there any areas of your life that need to hear a message of repentance? I know there are places like that in my life. I am going to take some time to listen and respond. Will you join me?

Gospel of Luke Monday November 29th

Chapter Two Monday, November 29, 2010

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

Take a few minutes to read this chapter and then see if you agree with me. There is only one word, “WOW!” That is the only way you can faithfully describe this blessing of Luke’s description.

It is the birth place of our Christian faith. We were built on Jewish roots, became obedient to the law, found our way through with the prophets, then we arrive at the birth of Jesus and everything changes.

Together we enter into the possibility of new life as Mary and Joseph stand near the manger cradle and gaze lovingly at their newborn child. The angels sing, the shepherds pay their honors, and the world begins to change. Slowly at first, but soon everything that has life and breath will be impacted by this obscure birth.

Things were already set in motion when Gabriel spoke to Mary. Then the child is actually born and presented in the temple for dedication on the eighth day of his life. A wise man named Simeon saw him, asked if he could hold him, and then offered his praise to God. Simeon was one of the first to recognize that the times were changing. History was shifting. The world was in the process of being transformed by an infant who would grow to “become strong, filled with wisdom, and with the grace of God.”

Let me ask you, can you imagine taking the infant Jesus in your arms? Can you imagine being in the position of Simeon? Would you be able to look at his tiny face and proclaim “My eyes have seen your salvation?”

Let me ask you, have you seen and experienced the salvation that Jesus provides? Take a moment to pray. Ask God to restore to you (or provide for you) the joy of salvation. Yesterday you were Theophilus, today you are Simeon. I wonder who you will be tomorrow. Jesus has a way of changing people!

Gospel of Luke Sunday November 28

Chapter One Sunday, November 28, 2010 The First Sunday of Advent

“It seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3b-4

I am grateful that Luke helps set the stage for his account of the life of Jesus the Christ. As it turns out, Luke is a skilled historian. We will also discover that he is a physician. In addition, he is an evangelist, a fellow traveler in the faith with the Apostle Paul. His first identity is in Christ but his profession is in the medical arts.

Luke also gives us a clue as to his audience. We are blessed to listen in on his conversation as he describes an ‘orderly account’ of the life and teachings of Jesus. He is writing to someone who is addressed as the ‘most excellent Theophilus.’ Don’t you wish someone would address you in that same way? Wouldn’t you like to be ‘most excellent’ in a category of faith?

It is a title that implies great honor, deep respect, and a personal relationship. But it is the name that really draws our attention. Have you known any one named Theophilus? Are you considering that name for your first born or as a suggestion for your grandchildren?

But if we take a minute to break it down, the name has deep value and meaning for us. It literally means ‘lover of God.’ Wouldn’t you like to be known as a ‘lover of God?’ When you think about it, that is not a bad name!

Now, Theophilus (I know it is not the name engraved on your birth certificate…but may I call you that as we approach the birth of Jesus?)…Now Theophilus, read the chapter and whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to sing a song or two. The birth of Jesus is fortold, the angel Gabriel makes and appearance, Mary sings, and Zachariah follows with his song.

Ask yourself, “Am I singing a song that would announce to the world that my name (in the heart of God) is Theophilus?”

By the way, it is a right and good thing that we should begin our journey with Luke by gathering for worship on this day! Thanks for being a part of the Wilson Family!

African Children's Choir

WOW, do you believe that a coincidence is when God creates a miracle and chooses to remain anonymous? I do.

Here's the deal; Last Thursday I saw an email notice that the African Children's Choir was going to be in the Denver area. I have always been interested so I found their web site at www.africanchildrenschoir.org and located a phone number. I spoke to Tina who told me that the group just had a very unexpected cancellation that eliminated a key concert and three nights of housing.

Here is where I am so blessed to be a part of the Wilson family! The kids needed a place to be, host homes for three days, and they were arriving on Sunday afternoon. Could we do it? Who will do it? Wilson will!

I said yes, send them our way. Then I sent out an email asking for help with housing, meals, and a potential concert. Before the day was done, it was all cared for with great detail. Momentum is a wonderful thing.

Anyway, the bus pulled in, host families went into action, a concert was presented to an overflow crowd, and everyone (especially the Wilson team!) was blessed.

What a great God we have! Many thanks to everyone who made it happen. It wasn't water into wine...but it was real close!

God loves to do stuff and then remain anonymous!

Leadership Lessons From the Saddle #4

I have a love - hate relationship with the wind. I love the wind of the Spirit. I crave the beauty of fresh clean air. But, when the wind is in your face, you are going up hill, you are on two wheels, and your legs are your source of power...bummer!

In spite of all that, the leadership lesson is this; "enjoy the wind!" Scripture says the wind blows where it will. Little Bobby Zimmerman said, the answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. No matter, just enjoy the wind!

Sometimes it will challenge you so much that you just want to dismount, find a safe place, and sit tight. BUT...there are other times, you know what I mean, when the wind is at your back, your sails are set, your journey is flowing with ease, and all is well with the world.

The bottom line is this, no matter which way the wind is blowing (did you know that you don't need a weather man to know which way the wind is blowing?) it will soon turn around. It all about the high and low of pressure. So why get stressed, let it blow.

Can you imagine this, sometimes (with the wind at your back) you can actually outride the wind. You will know you have reached mach speed (maybe semi mach) when you can finally feel the wind on your face. The joy of that moment will outweigh the occasional struggle of gale force air moving in opposition to your desire.

After all, the wind blows were it will! Fall mountain, just don't fall on me. Blow wind, breath on me breath of God. Amen!

Leadership Lessons From the Saddle #3

Here's the deal...sometimes you can actually get going faster than you can pedal! You might be going down hill really fast and discover that there is no resistance in the pedal. Try as you might, you can only spin and 'empty' pedal.

You can have the same experience going up hill. If you shift too soon or if you are in the wrong gear, the pedals will get empty and you will find no resistance.

Here is the leadership lesson, it is always harder to push 'empty' pedals!

Think about it, if everyone is just saying 'yes' for the sake of going along to get along. Or if you have developed a great presentation and no one is present to hear it. Or if you develop a culture where no one feels comfortable adding a critical comment or offering an alternate point of view...it is like pushing empty pedals. Sooner or later, it will all go astray.

Imagine developing a culture where energy is created by positive controversy. Where no one would let the final product become mundane just because it was the easy way to go. What if decision making groups went to the next highest option rather than naturally move toward the lowest common denominator?

Work harder, get better, grow stronger, by committing to never push empty pedals. Either enjoy the downhill blast or climb in the right gear. Everyone will be blessed if you do!

Leadership Lessons from the Saddle (2)

Pikes Peak (America's Mountain) and the Garden of the Gods are just a part of the glory of living in Colorado Springs. Both remind us of the beauty of creation and the power of God in the world. "I lift my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come...my help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth."

When it comes to riding up a significant hill on a bicycle ... we all pray for energy, endurance, and (best of all) a tail wind!

We will get to the joy and struggle of wind later. Right now let's talk about hills, big hills! In life there are hills. Some times they come in the shape of relationships that end up in conflict. In some situations the hill is beyond our control ... like an illness from out of the blue or a death that arrives without rhyme or reason. Hills happen. So how do we expereince the hill?

For me the lesson from the saddle revolves around the reality that every good hill has the joy of a great downhill run!

This week a friend and I will ride from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park up Ute Pass. If you have never been up Ute Pass you need to know that it is a 2400 foot climb that rolls out over about 20 miles. It can be a challenge. In fact, it is a challenge!

But here is the good news...we are also going to reverse the ride and spend almost 20 miles going downhill. That will be a joy! As a result, the uphill climb is always worth the downhill run.

In the church (and in all of life) the key is found in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20. You might want to read those two passages to find the link. In the end, every struggle, every bad break, each painful journey ... has a downhill run where God chooses to demonstrate that all things work for good in one way or another.

It is a lesson we all need to learn. Climb the hill knowing that there is a downhill blessing on the way. Don't get caught thinking that the hill has the last word!

Gear up and go for it!

Leadership Lessons from the Saddle (1)

The photo is a new Trek 520 touring bike. It is still just a dream because I am eternally fully committed to my 1982 Cresta that has served me well since it came off the showroom floor many years (and a whole lot of miles) ago!

But that is not the topic! I want to share a couple of things I have learned by simply spending time in the saddle. So here we go.

Here is the most obvious principle: When approaching a hill, gear down long before you struggle as the hill unfolds in front of your eyes, burns your legs, and causes your lungs to explode!

I missed this basic lesson on my early rides. I thought it was a bit wimpy to down shift so the pedals were easier to push. It may be a guy thing but it is not smart!

The key is to anticipate, get ready, shift early, enjoy the ride by using your energy in the best sequence.

From a leadership perspective in the local church, the key is the same...anticipate. Be ready for the Spirit to move, be prepared for an expected out come to actually arrive!

Right now we are blessed with strong and growing attendance at our early service of worship. We know that will not growth pattern will not go on forever. In fact, it will ultimately level off and stay at a plateau unless we anticipate, prepare, and are ready for a trigger point to arrive.

Therefore, it is our leadership task to look to the future, discern a trigger point, and be ready before the hill arrives. We know that groups in an 'auditorium' setting (read movie theater, worship center, or anywhere people gather to be seated)will typically perceive that the auditorium is 'full' when it is actually only 80% full.

In some situations folks will move beyond the 80% level and even move to 100% and beyond but that will only happen for a short time. Ultimately it will settle back to 80% as a limit unless anticipation has happened effectively!

Here is the bottom line...Gear up and go for it!

The Gospel According to Doctor Luke

I have been reading the Gospel of Luke in preparation for the season of Advent. Advent is that time in the church calendar cycle when we begin a journey toward the manger of Christmas. It is a time of preparation, waiting, anticipation, and discovery.

Traditionally each of the four Gospel writers have been identified with a symbol that sets them apart as a messenger and communicates something about the message itself.

For Luke the symbol is a bull or ox with wings. It is an image of strength, durability, faithfulness, and sacrifice.

The winged bull is a great contrast to the skilled, educated, physician who became a follower of Jesus and a companion of the Apostle Paul. I always think of Luke as the classic 'country doctor' who is faithfully available and ready to respond at a moments notice.

I am going to be inviting our congregation to read the Gospel of Luke during the season of Advent. But (you say) that doesn't even come into play until after Thanksgiving. What's the hurry?? Well, if you are like me, you might be a slow learner. Or, if you are like me, you might like to get a head start.

We are looking at the fullness of Christian life that is faithfully shared in community. Communities do several things. They support, create a climate of accountability, engage in interpersonal encouragement, provide the laughter of fellowship, and allow for the sacred space in which holy relationships can bloom.

I think Luke, the country physician, has a Word for us about health.

I am always blessed by your presence and strengthen by our relationship of faith. I look forward to every moment. If you can not be with us face-to-face, think about joining us online at www.wilsonumc.org. Sermons and other resources are posted just for you!

May the strength of Christ, like that of a winged bull, lift your life today!

Personal Rule of Life

For those thinking about how a personal "Rule of Life" might impact their journey of faith...I share my Rule. I call it a Personal Spiritual Growth Plan. It becomes my 'trellis' upon which my life can grow, reach the Son, and find freedom. Some features of this plan are being fulfilled as we speak. Other areas are designed for stretching. Still others represent places where my journey has not been fulfilled. We are all on a journey and we all need a trellis to help us grow.


Personal Spiritual Growth Plan
2010
Randy Jessen


Inward Disciplines

1. Morning prayer and meditation seeking God’s will for my personal and professional life.
2. Daily prayer for family, staff, lay leadership, and general intercession.
3. Daily study of the Scriptures that are outside teaching and preaching responsibilities.
4. Read through the New Testament each month.
5. Be obedient to the hours.

Outward Disciplines

1. Seek increased ways to simplify life style in accordance with the Gospel.
2. Set aside specific time of solitude outside designated time for personal prayer.
3. Continue serving through Walk to Emmaus and Kairos Prison Ministry.
4. Continue to support mission ministry in Romania, Kenya, and locally.

Corporate Disciplines

1. Commit to regular worship in settings outside Wilson United Methodist Church.
2. Meet monthly with discernment group for support and accountability.

Continuing Education Goals

1. Participate in at least one major conference related to congregational life, preaching or leadership.
2. Participate in the August Leadership Summit.
3. Create a continuing education event for pastors and lay leaders in the area.
4. Read at least one new book each week related to leadership, spiritual formation, church development, stewardship, or vision.

Service Goals

• Global Hope Leadership role
• Board of Ordained Ministry
• Availability for relational conversations
• Asbury community through teaching, dissertation mentor, stewardship