Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Houston Skyline!
I am getting ready with last minute details for a pastoral immersion into the Houston church scene. This is an annual event that we do with the Beeson Pastor students in the Doctor of Ministry program at Asbury Theological Seminary. It is always a deep learning experience that is filled with adventure.
This year we will have 18 participants from all across the world and around the nation. We have folks from Tanzania, Romania, Singapore, a Damascus missionary, a Costa Rica based missionary, along with highly effective pastors from around the United States. It will be a wonderful team.
We will be visiting effective growing congregations, exploring new church plants, engaging with outstanding ethnic ministries, and discovering the world of church vision consultants. We will worship in a ministry that is focused on recovery from chemical dependency on Saturday evening. Sunday will find us in worship in the largest church in the nation, then to an inner city worship service that is focused on the homeless, then off to an emerging church ministry that creates outstanding outreach for young adults. In between we will discover large church leadership and structure. We close with a look at the missional lifestyle of a wonderful pastoral spouse team who are making a major impact on the most difficult section of Houston.
I invite your prayers and look forward to sharing more about the expereince in days to come.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Under the influence
No, not that kind of 'under the influence' that often accompanies a new year and is followed by a hangover. I am thinking about the best kind way of being under the influence. It is the process of opening your life to the thoughts, teachings, and expereince of people who have insights that will help you to grow. I am interested in growing!
I am not interested in standing still, maintaining, or just passing time. If we are not moving forward we are loosing ground. If we are standing still we are getting stagnate. If we are just holding on we might think about releasing our grip so we can climb higher.
Right now, I am growing under the influence of Henri Nouwen. You see some of his writings listed in my current reading list. He has opened my eyes to some new ways of seeing the world of ministry with some fresh images of God's Word. It is good and I would highly recommend his insights.
I have been working on a short series of sermons that I will offer in the next month. They are "movements of the heart" or ways the spiritual life shifts from dark to light. How growth happens in different categories of our journey together.
I share the topics with you just to keep me honest...accountability is an important ingredient of spiritual growth!
Here goes:
Four Movements of the Heart
1. From Law to Grace
2. From Resentment to Gratitude
3. From Isolation to Community
4. From Fear to Love
Just listing them causes me to reflect on where I am on the continuum of faith. How about you?
I am not interested in standing still, maintaining, or just passing time. If we are not moving forward we are loosing ground. If we are standing still we are getting stagnate. If we are just holding on we might think about releasing our grip so we can climb higher.
Right now, I am growing under the influence of Henri Nouwen. You see some of his writings listed in my current reading list. He has opened my eyes to some new ways of seeing the world of ministry with some fresh images of God's Word. It is good and I would highly recommend his insights.
I have been working on a short series of sermons that I will offer in the next month. They are "movements of the heart" or ways the spiritual life shifts from dark to light. How growth happens in different categories of our journey together.
I share the topics with you just to keep me honest...accountability is an important ingredient of spiritual growth!
Here goes:
Four Movements of the Heart
1. From Law to Grace
2. From Resentment to Gratitude
3. From Isolation to Community
4. From Fear to Love
Just listing them causes me to reflect on where I am on the continuum of faith. How about you?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Personal Rule of Life 2011
If you have been following this process...you will discover right away that several of the items in my Rule of Life are continuations from previous versions. That is because there are foundational elements that create a baseline for all other personal and spiritual activities.
You will also note that some of the 2010 elements have gone away. Not because they were completely fulfilled or are no longer of value, but because things need to be refocused from time to time. You will also notice that I continue to use the structure of Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster as the basic (but expanded) framework for my Rule.
With humility and obedience as the key components for any spiritual growth...I offer my 2011 Rule of Life. With God's help, I will...
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. 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 Chrysalis.
4. Work to develop a strong positive missional relationship with the Methodist Church in Costa Rica
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 related to prayer and spiritual formation.
4. Read at least one new book each week related to leadership, spiritual formation, church development, stewardship, or vision.
Service Goals
1. Board of Ordained Ministry
2. Availability for relational conversations
3. Asbury community through teaching, dissertation mentor, stewardship, and student development / support
Personal Goals
1. Ride at least 1000 bicycle miles on Old Blue in 2011
2. Ride two century days in 2011
3. Stay in touch with my physical health through indoor / outdoor riding, time at the fitness center, and healthy eating habits
You will also note that some of the 2010 elements have gone away. Not because they were completely fulfilled or are no longer of value, but because things need to be refocused from time to time. You will also notice that I continue to use the structure of Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster as the basic (but expanded) framework for my Rule.
With humility and obedience as the key components for any spiritual growth...I offer my 2011 Rule of Life. With God's help, I will...
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. 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 Chrysalis.
4. Work to develop a strong positive missional relationship with the Methodist Church in Costa Rica
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 related to prayer and spiritual formation.
4. Read at least one new book each week related to leadership, spiritual formation, church development, stewardship, or vision.
Service Goals
1. Board of Ordained Ministry
2. Availability for relational conversations
3. Asbury community through teaching, dissertation mentor, stewardship, and student development / support
Personal Goals
1. Ride at least 1000 bicycle miles on Old Blue in 2011
2. Ride two century days in 2011
3. Stay in touch with my physical health through indoor / outdoor riding, time at the fitness center, and healthy eating habits
New Year Day 2011
I trust you had a safe holiday celebration for New Year's Eve. Our was quiet, warm, and filled with snoozing.
It is New Year's Day 2011! A day for football, catching up, and being a bit dazed by the fact that another year has come and gone.
It is also a day of reflection. A day of remembrance. And a day of commitment. Our Methodist founder, John Wesley, was a man of many traditions. He had patterns of life that became famous. He was filled with 'methods' for moving forward in his faith journey.
One of his famous methods is contained in his celebrated Covenant Prayer. He wrote it in 1738 and used it at various times throughout the year. However, as the Methodist movement gained ground, the Covenant Prayer began to be seen as a way of renewing personal faith commitments at the start of a New Year.
It was used in worship and in personal devotions as a plan for continued growth and dedication to God. The prayer goes like this:
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Those words have shaped my life over and over again. It is a prayer that has been used by thousands of believers to reestablish a fresh relationship with God and to renew a covenant of servant leadership.
I wonder if you would be willing to pray it with me today and on into the New Year? Read it over, think through the different sections, reflect on the depth of commitment it calls for, and then pray it with the confidence of a Child of God. Let the prayer be yours as you offer yourself to God once again.
2011 promises to be a wonderful year! Peace to you all!
It is New Year's Day 2011! A day for football, catching up, and being a bit dazed by the fact that another year has come and gone.
It is also a day of reflection. A day of remembrance. And a day of commitment. Our Methodist founder, John Wesley, was a man of many traditions. He had patterns of life that became famous. He was filled with 'methods' for moving forward in his faith journey.
One of his famous methods is contained in his celebrated Covenant Prayer. He wrote it in 1738 and used it at various times throughout the year. However, as the Methodist movement gained ground, the Covenant Prayer began to be seen as a way of renewing personal faith commitments at the start of a New Year.
It was used in worship and in personal devotions as a plan for continued growth and dedication to God. The prayer goes like this:
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Those words have shaped my life over and over again. It is a prayer that has been used by thousands of believers to reestablish a fresh relationship with God and to renew a covenant of servant leadership.
I wonder if you would be willing to pray it with me today and on into the New Year? Read it over, think through the different sections, reflect on the depth of commitment it calls for, and then pray it with the confidence of a Child of God. Let the prayer be yours as you offer yourself to God once again.
2011 promises to be a wonderful year! Peace to you all!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
New Year Plan to Grow
Every year about this time...someone wants to talk about New Year's resolutions. Sorry, I don't want to do that. But here is what I do. I rewrite and update my Spiritual Growth Plan.
Each year, I review my plan, make course corrections, add different components, and jettison the items that are either fulfilled or no longer valid.
It is that time of year, so I am praying it through right now. I am not quite ready to go to press but it is getting close. My 2010 plan was great...not that the plan itself was so wonderful but it produced very significant results for me. It was challenging but worth the effort. (Check my post September 12 to see my 2010 plan...I call it my Personal Rule of Life)
Next week I am going to speak about the process in worship. George Barna (church research guy) finds that less than 20% of active engaged Christians have a plan for growth. They want to grow. They are blessed when they do grow. But their process for encountering growth opportunities is like being blindfolded with the great hope that you will spontaneously bump into something positive. Maybe there is a better way.
Let me invite you to join me on this journey. If you have a plan, is it time to update? If you do not have a plan, would you be interested in taking off the blindfold? Maybe you would be willing to jot down some thoughts, create a map, establish a plan...then we could compare so I can learn from your insights.
I will share mine here before the clock strikes 12 and the Dick Clark team drops the ball! Let's pray together for the best insights that will result in an outstanding plan. Join me!
Each year, I review my plan, make course corrections, add different components, and jettison the items that are either fulfilled or no longer valid.
It is that time of year, so I am praying it through right now. I am not quite ready to go to press but it is getting close. My 2010 plan was great...not that the plan itself was so wonderful but it produced very significant results for me. It was challenging but worth the effort. (Check my post September 12 to see my 2010 plan...I call it my Personal Rule of Life)
Next week I am going to speak about the process in worship. George Barna (church research guy) finds that less than 20% of active engaged Christians have a plan for growth. They want to grow. They are blessed when they do grow. But their process for encountering growth opportunities is like being blindfolded with the great hope that you will spontaneously bump into something positive. Maybe there is a better way.
Let me invite you to join me on this journey. If you have a plan, is it time to update? If you do not have a plan, would you be interested in taking off the blindfold? Maybe you would be willing to jot down some thoughts, create a map, establish a plan...then we could compare so I can learn from your insights.
I will share mine here before the clock strikes 12 and the Dick Clark team drops the ball! Let's pray together for the best insights that will result in an outstanding plan. Join me!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Gospel of Luke Sunday December 26, 2010
Luke 2:21-52 Sunday, December 26, 2010 First Sunday After Christmas
Only one day has passed since we celebrated Christmas Day, but now we are going to move through time as we arrive at the temple eight days after the birth of Jesus. It is time for the child to be dedicated according to Jewish ritual. Mary and Joseph bring the child and their small sacrificial offering so they can comply with the custom of the day.
While they are there, they meet a man named Simeon. He is a good and righteous man who has been waiting for this moment for years. Through a spiritual insight, he recognizes the child as the long- awaited Savior. He takes Jesus from the arms of Mary and offers a wonderful blessing for the child. At the same time he offers a word of caution to Mary and Joseph.
Then they are blessed to meet a woman named Anna from the tribe of Asher. She too recognized the child and offered a word of thanksgiving for all who long for redemption.
Redemption, salvation, deliverance, rescue…those are all expressions of what God has done for the people of God. Let me ask you to reflect for a moment. How do these four words impact your life today? Have you known Christ and the fullness of his love? Are you ready to move forward into 2011 with a new spirit of hope, a fresh commitment of faith, and a willingness to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Your reflection and your response will make all the difference!
As always, it is a joy to serve with you and to share worship together in the name of Jesus!
This is the last installment of our Advent series on the Gospel of Luke. It has been a blessing to share this journey with you. I do pray that the experience of seeing the life and ministry of Jesus through the eyes of Luke has helped you know the love that Jesus has for you and your family. Personally, the Gospel of Luke continues to expand my vision of what God calls us to do and to be as Christian disciples.
And so now, Theophilus, (may I still call you Theophilus?) I pray the peace of God upon you as we step into a New Year together. I pray that 2011 will be filled with blessings, discoveries, growth, and the presence of our Holy God. Amen
Only one day has passed since we celebrated Christmas Day, but now we are going to move through time as we arrive at the temple eight days after the birth of Jesus. It is time for the child to be dedicated according to Jewish ritual. Mary and Joseph bring the child and their small sacrificial offering so they can comply with the custom of the day.
While they are there, they meet a man named Simeon. He is a good and righteous man who has been waiting for this moment for years. Through a spiritual insight, he recognizes the child as the long- awaited Savior. He takes Jesus from the arms of Mary and offers a wonderful blessing for the child. At the same time he offers a word of caution to Mary and Joseph.
Then they are blessed to meet a woman named Anna from the tribe of Asher. She too recognized the child and offered a word of thanksgiving for all who long for redemption.
Redemption, salvation, deliverance, rescue…those are all expressions of what God has done for the people of God. Let me ask you to reflect for a moment. How do these four words impact your life today? Have you known Christ and the fullness of his love? Are you ready to move forward into 2011 with a new spirit of hope, a fresh commitment of faith, and a willingness to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Your reflection and your response will make all the difference!
As always, it is a joy to serve with you and to share worship together in the name of Jesus!
This is the last installment of our Advent series on the Gospel of Luke. It has been a blessing to share this journey with you. I do pray that the experience of seeing the life and ministry of Jesus through the eyes of Luke has helped you know the love that Jesus has for you and your family. Personally, the Gospel of Luke continues to expand my vision of what God calls us to do and to be as Christian disciples.
And so now, Theophilus, (may I still call you Theophilus?) I pray the peace of God upon you as we step into a New Year together. I pray that 2011 will be filled with blessings, discoveries, growth, and the presence of our Holy God. Amen
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Gospel of Luke Saturday December 25, 2010
Luke 2:1-20 Saturday, December 25, 2010 Merry Christmas!
What a wonderful Christmas Eve we had at the church! Many thanks to all who took part and worked so hard behind the scenes!
Is it a quiet day at your house? Maybe it was noisy in the early hours with the crinkle of wrapping paper. Perhaps you hurried so you could travel and be on time for Christmas dinner. You might be home for the day with a telephone call lighting your path.
Whatever your situation, I want to invite you to do something very special even though it may sound kind of silly. I want to invite you to read. Now, that is not an unusual request, but I want you to read out loud the words of Luke 2:1-20. You may have family around. If so, gather them, take the lead, read the account of the birth of Christ to them.
You might be alone. If so, read aloud to yourself to allow the words of Scripture to sink deeply into your spirit. Read about the census and the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Don’t miss the manger scene with the shepherds, angels, and the holy family gathered around the child. Be sure you do not miss the response of Mary as she begins to live in amazement and thoughtful reflection.
It is my deepest prayer that your Christmas Day is filled with the fullness of the Christ Child and the incredible grace of God. Merry Christmas, and thanks for being a part of the Wilson United Methodist Church family!
What a wonderful Christmas Eve we had at the church! Many thanks to all who took part and worked so hard behind the scenes!
Is it a quiet day at your house? Maybe it was noisy in the early hours with the crinkle of wrapping paper. Perhaps you hurried so you could travel and be on time for Christmas dinner. You might be home for the day with a telephone call lighting your path.
Whatever your situation, I want to invite you to do something very special even though it may sound kind of silly. I want to invite you to read. Now, that is not an unusual request, but I want you to read out loud the words of Luke 2:1-20. You may have family around. If so, gather them, take the lead, read the account of the birth of Christ to them.
You might be alone. If so, read aloud to yourself to allow the words of Scripture to sink deeply into your spirit. Read about the census and the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Don’t miss the manger scene with the shepherds, angels, and the holy family gathered around the child. Be sure you do not miss the response of Mary as she begins to live in amazement and thoughtful reflection.
It is my deepest prayer that your Christmas Day is filled with the fullness of the Christ Child and the incredible grace of God. Merry Christmas, and thanks for being a part of the Wilson United Methodist Church family!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Gospel of Luke Friday December 24, 2010
Luke 1:57-80 Friday, December 24, 2010 Christmas Eve
Merry Christmas! It is the day before the heart of the celebration. But for some, Christmas Eve will be a centerpiece of the holiday events. It will be a great day. Be sure you take part in a worship service to offer your gratitude to God. Our Wilson United Methodist Church family will gather at 5:00, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 for candlelight communion. I hope you will join us for one (or more) of those worship services. It will be beautiful!
You might be reading this passage of Scripture and engaging these words while you are traveling to see family or friends. You might be with your family for the Christmas holiday. Either way, take time to locate a place to worship tonight wherever you are. I know you will be blessed!
Yesterday we talked about Mary and Elizabeth. Today we meet Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah. As you read the passage, you will discover Zechariah’s faithfulness and his struggle. He was a man of faith but he had questions. Go back to the early parts of Chapter One to discover Zechariah’s struggle and his hesitating response to God. It may even sound familiar as a replay from your own life!
We not only find Zechariah’s struggle, we also discover his song! In church liturgical history it is called the Benedictus (Blessed be the Lord) and it is used early in the morning for the service of Lauds or praise. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to redeem his people.”
It is Zechariah’s contribution to the Christmas season! He reminds us that the celebration is really about the fulfillment of God’s eternal promise. That redemption will come to the people of God. That salvation will be available for the faithful. It all comes through Jesus who gains a spotlight from Zechariah’s son, John, who is known as the “Baptist.”
Tonight, we will sing the carols of the season, we will proclaim our faith in Christ, and we will lift a candle to give thanks for the faithfulness of God. For unto us a child is born!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Gospel of Luke Thursday December 23, 2010
Luke 1:39-56 Thursday, December 23, 2010
This passage of Scripture brings together the family dynamic that exists between Mary and Elizabeth. It also provides the initial relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus. The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth takes place about 80 to 100 miles from Nazareth in the hill country of Judea. It has been quite a journey for Mary who ‘hurried’ to be obedient to God. It is a sacred meeting.
The passage also contains the beautiful song that Mary sings. Formally the song is simply known as the Magnificat, a name that is generated from the Latin phrase that opens the hymn. “My soul magnifies the Lord.” It is a song that is used often in Christian liturgy as a reminder of our call to a life of faithful living.
It is also a scene that reflects a wonderful spirit of humility between these two women and their God. Humility is always a key component of spiritual growth. It has been true for centuries and is vital for our lives today. We tend to be caught up in the busy commercial pace of the Christmas season. Seldom do we take time to stop, remember what God has done, and then proclaim, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”
I wonder if you would take a moment right now. Simply read the passage again, take a moment to reflect in a posture of humility and silence, and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God. My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit is thankful for the gift of grace. My life is fresh and alive because God is good and Jesus is Lord. Choose your own words, but offer your thanksgiving to God as a way of preparing your heart for tomorrow’s act of worship.
Be sure to join us for a beautiful candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve. 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 or 11:00...all with wonderful music and a message that is designed to encourage your spirit. Bring a friend!
This passage of Scripture brings together the family dynamic that exists between Mary and Elizabeth. It also provides the initial relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus. The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth takes place about 80 to 100 miles from Nazareth in the hill country of Judea. It has been quite a journey for Mary who ‘hurried’ to be obedient to God. It is a sacred meeting.
The passage also contains the beautiful song that Mary sings. Formally the song is simply known as the Magnificat, a name that is generated from the Latin phrase that opens the hymn. “My soul magnifies the Lord.” It is a song that is used often in Christian liturgy as a reminder of our call to a life of faithful living.
It is also a scene that reflects a wonderful spirit of humility between these two women and their God. Humility is always a key component of spiritual growth. It has been true for centuries and is vital for our lives today. We tend to be caught up in the busy commercial pace of the Christmas season. Seldom do we take time to stop, remember what God has done, and then proclaim, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”
I wonder if you would take a moment right now. Simply read the passage again, take a moment to reflect in a posture of humility and silence, and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God. My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit is thankful for the gift of grace. My life is fresh and alive because God is good and Jesus is Lord. Choose your own words, but offer your thanksgiving to God as a way of preparing your heart for tomorrow’s act of worship.
Be sure to join us for a beautiful candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve. 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 or 11:00...all with wonderful music and a message that is designed to encourage your spirit. Bring a friend!
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