My name is David and I'm a work-a-holic..

I've seen this before but I am reading it today just after the conclusion of a funeral. This person would have been 81 today. The reality is that none of us are promised tomorrow and so it's important that we consider just how precious our time is to those whom we love. I remember being in school and having my son Chris come to my desk and ask if he could make an appointment for Saturday so that we could spend time together. This season of Advent has been very busy and the church has seen far more of me than my wife. It's time to change that because my time with her is priceless! I invite you to read and reflect...

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.'

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door..

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $50 now.. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

Antsy? No Ant-see. It's a great view!!!!

As we struggle with the various events and experiences in our lives, here is an interesting story from across the world that might help to give us a little perspective on how we can see things if we do not, or we do, trust them to God...I know if gave me something to think about...

The Child's Ant
================

God had been trying to get my attention for some months, but I was too deep in debt to hear Him. However, it took just one divinely orchestrated incident to put everything in perspective.

I had woken up early to prepare my two little daughters for school. As I tried to put the older one in the bathtub, she saw an ant right there. You would have thought she saw a viper.

All my entreaties to her to put down her feet were ignored: her greatest problem at that point was an ant. To her, an ant was a big deal, but it wasn't to me. I could easily take care of an ant any day. Then I got impatient with her for fearing an ant.

At that point, I had a MountainWings Moment! It was as if I heard an audible voice: "Is that not what you have been doing to me all these past months?"

What? You mean all the debts I thought were big enough to crush me were like that ant to God? I had to apologize for having a low impression of God.

Today, a few months later, all the debts are gone.

~A MountainWings Original by Sylvester Ojenagbon, Lagos, Nigeria~

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/8347.htm

Received this and it gives some perspective to how we consider ourselves in God's plans. Yes, we make mistakes and sometimes really screw up but if God can do amazing things with the folks below, what can God do with you?!?!?



Here's another thought, as we do God's work, we might also consider what God can do with the folks we've labeled because of their bad habits or characteristics.....hmmmmm


The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced,
more than once Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer...

AND

Lazarus was dead!

What do you have that’s worse than that?
So no more excuses!

God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.


(Mountainwings #4289)

It was an interesting day...

On July 11, 2008 my dad died from a horrific disease Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It has no cure and they hope it works through the body and then the person gets better. In his case, it covered almost 95% of his body by the time he could fight no longer. As we walked through the next few days, I thought ahead to the "first" holidays without dad and figured they were a long way away.

On Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, I realized that these past months went very quickly. As I awoke, I gave thanks that mom had come down the night before to help us get ready for the day. I think just having her around was a great way for me to prepare. We were only going to be a group of six folks but I wasn't sure what to expect. I decided I wanted to go for a run in the morning and not wanting to focus on the "pain" of running, I decided to think about dad. I began to create a list of thanks to God for how God had blessed my life through James H. Abbott Jr. Though I didn't finish the list on the road, I'd like to share what I did think of and add a few more. It won't be a complete list as I continue to reflect on the many ways that dad impacted and empowered my life, but it's a beginning.

God,

Today I give you thanks for my dad and the special times we had together...

1. For getting us involved in rabbits and though I wasn't real good about feeding and cleaning them you still shared them with me in love. I will always remember the fairs, the best of show, ohJ, the new friends we made who also showed rabbits.


2. For giving me a chance the day that Russell and I made a really dumb decision. I figured I'd be punished for weeks but you figured I had learned enough and anything you did wouldn't be beneficial. By doing nothing, you did everything.


3. For driving from Bath to Winthrop in the spring when I played baseball for the team the Gulls. We were horrible and only one two games but you were always supportive and willing to drive the hour each way to see some really bad baseball.


4. For taking me with you on those weekends when we opened Mechuwana and for being the director for three years. Had you not been the director there I am not sure if I would have come to know the power and presence of God, not only on that holy ground, but also in my life. It was at Mechuwana that I struggled with what it meant to be called by God.


5. For crying when I graduated from the University of Maine. I tell folks that was the first time I saw tears in your eyes and it meant a great deal to me as your son. I knew I had done good when I saw your smile moistened by tears. It gave me the freedom to share my tears with my boys, both of sadness and joy at very important moments in all of our lives.


6. For going to Washington DC for my Doctoral graduation. I wasn't all that interested in the event until Lisa pushed me to go and when I saw your determination I began to give thanks to God that we could share it together.


7. For your loyalty to your doctors. Though we will always disagree on it, you did show me that we've got to trust in folks, especially when we don't know. At the same time, I want to thank you for being willing to get a second opinion or two as we struggled with your cancer.


8. For teaching me that if there is something we can't fix or change, we can't let it take up our life. If we can do something about it, great, do it. If we can't, use the time to make a difference somewhere else. When I've been worried about decisions that others are making, I've let go and done other things, knowing I couldn't impact thier choice. It saved me a great deal of "worry time".


9. For supporting mom in her many ministries. You showed me that it's just as important to be the support person as it is to be the person on the move. Your grace and love of that role helped me to pull back and allow others to do "their thing". It has been a blessing as I've witnessed some amazing things.


10. For loving me as me. For telling me again and again that you loved me and for telling me whenever you could that you were proud of me. In a world where love is sometimes a scarce commodity and folks would rather tear you down than build you up, you helped me to understand that love is always in abundance and encouragement should be shared whenever you've got the chance. I end every conversation with my boys by telling them I love them and never miss a chance to let them know how awed I am at the great things they are doing.

There are many more things to which I give thanks to God for my dad and I'll continue to lift them up as often as I can. I realize that for some folks, "dad" was a word that had no meaning or only negative images. Dad and I did tussle and disagree but whenever I say "dad" my eyes tear up but my heart fills with love and thanksgiving.

Yes, the holidays are here. Yes, it is a challenge to be without him. Yes, I am very blessed to have a mom who is just as great as my dad was. And yes, if you haven't told your parents, or those who raised you, that you love them, don't waste another minute for you never know when you'll only be able to say it in a prayer.

I love you dad!

(The picture is of our family at a family reunion last summer.)

A different perspective...who is the real pane...

I received this email from "mountainwings" today that was a real eye opener. How many times have we complained about how people are doing things? How many times have we come up with just the solution they need to make their life better? As we head into this time of the year when folks are collecting food for the hungry, before we talk about those who "abuse" the system, maybe we ought to think of how we are looking at those very folks with our "Christ-like" eyes...

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. "That laundry is not very clean," she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap." Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?" The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows." And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. ~Author Unknown~

Psalm 23...It's more than just a reading at a funeral!

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

I shall not want = That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

For His name sake = That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death = That's Tribulations!

I will fear no evil = That's Protection!

For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies =That's Hope!

Thou anointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life =That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!

Forever = That's Eternity!

Face it, the Lord is crazy about you.

It's time to come back...

It's been many months since I last wrote in my blog. My dad died on July 11, 2008 and I've been trying to figure out how to walk through this event and begin to share again on the blog. I've had many good intentions but I've not had to right words to share. Today though, I want to share a connection to a PBS story about Camp Ray of Hope (Click on the words for the link) held at Mechuwana (truly sacred and healing ground in my life). I'm not involved whatsoever in the camp, though a member of the congregation I serve is, but it spoke to me of grief, loss, and building back what has been crushed and taken away. Thanks for being patient. I'll see you soon on these pages...

The Upper Room: A wonderful daily devotional to share with you.

I receive the Upper Room Devotional by email each day. Many times I quickly read through it, especially as I recognize the text upon which they are focusing. As a pastor, I've used parts of the following text in funerals to celebrate how someone with an illness or disease endured their final days. As I read through the July 10th reading this morning (I'm a little behind on things!), it spoke to me in amazing ways in relation to how we as members of the Body of Christ and the world around us should see each other. I hope you enjoy it as well. If you've like to receive this devotional on a daily basis, read all the way to the bottom. I realize there is a copyright law involved in sharing this, but I believe that they would be very happy to know that their work is helping to build God's kingdom here on earth...

Thursday, July 10, 2008
Let Us Pray with You
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Cracked Pots

Suggested Bible Reading
Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture--"I believed, and so I spoke"--we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
-2 Corinthians 4:1-18 (NRSV)

Today's ScriptureWe have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.
-2 Corinthians 4:7 (NRSV)

MY life in Christ has helped me to accept the nature of the clay jar that I am. I have weaknesses. I have strengths. For some people who know me, my strengths outweigh my weaknesses. For others, my weaknesses outweigh my good traits. But we all live somewhere between what we have been and what God is reshaping us to be.
This is an image of God's kingdom. We live in an "already-but-not-yet" time. God's salvation in Christ has already come, but it is not yet enjoyed by all people and all creation. Jesus gave us a glimpse of God's future glory, but its full realization remains future. We live between the already of what God has done and the not-yet of what God will do. The work God has begun in us is not complete.
Yet God's glory is seen clearly in our sinful, broken, imperfect humanity. "We have this treasure in clay jars." We can focus on the clay jar, or we can focus on the treasure. We can condemn each other for being a cracked, chipped, misshapen, leaky, brittle, traditional, or contemporary jar. But if we focus on the treasure, we have hope - hope for me, for you, for enemies as well as friends, for the world - because the treasure is God's extraordinary power at work in us.
Mike Ripski (Tennessee, U.S.A.)
Prayer
Dear God, fulfill your purposes in the world and in us. Amen.
Thought for the Day

Today, I will look for God's treasure in myself and others.

Prayer Focus
For the peace of God among all people

Related Reading
Companions in Christ: The Way of Transforming Discipleship (Participant's Book)Discover what spiritual formation and authentic spirituality are all about in THE WAY OF TRANSFORMING DISCIPLESHIP, the sixth title in the Companions in Christ series. Reflect on what your faith means in terms of who you are, how you must change, how you deal with pain, and how you relate to others.
The scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.PLEASE SHARE THIS MINISTRY with a friend. Invite them to sign up for the free E-Mail Devotional by visiting: http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/email/Copyright © 2008 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or redistribute without written permission from the publisher. http://www.upperroom.org

Are we asking the right questions????

This morning I ventured away from the sports pages of the Boston Herald and moved to the front page of the Boston Globe. I know that I should be doing this on a regular basis but I find following the moves of the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox much more interesting. I began by reading of Senator Kennedy's return to the Senate floor to vote on the Medicare Bill and then decided to venture further into the national news of the day. It was then that I came upon this article which had me shaking my head. The argument is not whether or not the trailers are safe for human occupation but whether or not someone can be held accountable for their actions. Is there something wrong with this? Could this be one of the problems of our society today, that we don't want to accept responsibility for our actions? Or, that we don't really care about the impact of our decisions on other individuals as long as we make our profit? As we walk through the day today, I invite us to consider if we are asking the right question when making decisions. My suggestion for two possible questions would be:
1) Do we praise God with our decision?
2) Do we serve our neighbor by our actions?

If the answer to either is "No" or the decision doesn't allow for us to ask such questions, I would invite us to stop, pray, and seek God's guidance. No one should suffer from the poison of our unwillingness to make a change in our lives, even if there is a cost involved to us!

GOP backs trailer makers
Report: Firms not to blame for toxins
By Eileen Sullivan, Associated Press July 10, 2008
WASHINGTON - Manufacturers say they are not responsible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers that had toxic levels of formaldehyde, despite Democrats' findings that companies knew of the dangers yet sold them to the government anyway after Hurricane Katrina.
The report by Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is at odds with an analysis by Republican staff members on the same committee. The Republican report backs the companies and found that trailer manufacturers should not be held accountable for the high levels of formaldehyde - a preservative commonly used in building materials - in trailers that FEMA set up to house people displaced by Katrina in 2005. Republicans say it is the government's fault for not having standards for safe levels of formaldehyde in trailers.
But Democrats say their staff interviewed employees from one of the manufacturers, Gulf Stream Coach, who said they, too, were suffering effects from formaldehyde exposure, including nose bleeds, shortness of breath, dizziness, and bleeding ears.
Gulf Stream Coach Inc., received the bulk of the FEMA trailer contracts after Katrina, collecting more than $500 million.
Henry A. Waxman, Democrat of California and committee chairman, said the Democrats' investigation found that Gulf Stream tested the trailers, but treated the results as a public relations liability instead of a health hazard.
"It found pervasive formaldehyde contamination in its trailers, and it didn't tell anyone," Waxman said yesterday.
Jim Shea, chairman of Gulf Stream, said there was no actual testing of trailers. Instead, there was informal screening with a Formaldemeter, which is not a scientific test.
Shea said, however, that his company asked FEMA in 2006 whether it should test the trailers, but FEMA said no.
Last year, scientists tested hundreds of FEMA trailers and found potentially dangerous levels of formaldehyde.
There is no government standard for the amount of formaldehyde in travel trailers. Standards are set for indoor air quality for materials used to build mobile homes, but not travel trailers. Katrina victims now occupy 15,000 travel trailers in the Gulf Coast, down from the more than 143,000 trailers that once housed victims.

Thomas Dorsey - Precious Lord, Take My Hand

I received one of those massive emails that talked of the story behind this hymn and so I thought I'd journey to YouTube and see what I could find. Here is the story of Tommy Dorsey, his faith, and this song. It's wonderful to not only hear about a song, but to have the author share the true meaning of the words that God gave to them. Enjoy and then head to YouTube for a number of videos about "Precious Lord..." including Tommy Dorsey leading a church in the singing of the song.

Annual Conference for the United Methodists of New England

From Thursday night to Sunday noon, lay representatives from local United Methodist Churches, clergy (active and retired), and others, gathered for our Annual Conference. It was an interesting time for listening, worshiping, and experiencing the living presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. While there were times when I know that God was looking down and frowning at what we were doing, there were also times when God was clearly present in the testimony of others! Here are a couple of sites that give the daily happenings at AC.

News from Friday at Annual Conference

News from Saturday at Annual Conference

Prayers for a stranger...

Last night, as many throughout Belfast slept in preparation for a new week, an individual, or individuals, cut a screen leading into our sanctuary and entered the church. In the darkness of the night, they collected a variety of small items (computers to coffee makers), money from the preschool downstairs as well as the food cupboard, and then loaded them into a vehicle. When the first person for the preschool arrived, they found the damage and losses.

When I was called at 6:10am, I headed for the church and arrived just before the local police. Over the next few hours we looked at doors broken by big feet, possible pieces of evidence, and discussed what had happened. Feelings of anger, guilt, frustration, and violation were common. There were tears as well as words of comfort. The church staff gathered in the sanctuary for prayer.

As we reflected on the events of the evening, our prayers were of thanksgiving that no one was in the facility when the individual(s) was there, that there was no real damage to the building, and that no one was hurt. We also prayed for the stranger whom we may never meet. We prayed for healing, for understanding, for guidance, and for peace.

It's sad that the building was broken into but God will restore the sanctity of the space just as God, through Christ, restores us when we've been violated. It's going to be strange to walk into the facility and not feel safe but I know that the real enemy is the One who is evil, not those who get lost in evil ways.

I don't know why, but as soon as I heard about the stranger and walked through the building seeing the damage, I prayed that one day we would meet and that we might be able to walk through the process of restorative justice together. I know there are people who are just evil and may never enjoy the healing presence of Christ, but I think they are the distinct minority and that many have stories, that once told, can lead to a new life of hope.

Wherever you are stranger, know that tonight there is at least one person praying for you...

Follow Me

As we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus, what it is that we must give up to be a Christian, this video suggests that maybe that which we fear giving up is just extra baggage that makes any journey a difficult one. What do you think? What am I carrying that makes my following of Jesus so difficult? Maybe if I give up that which I am carrying I can make it to the top and experience the living presence of Christ in an amazing way!

Insight from a distance over time

In November 2007, I had the honor of participating in the New England United Methodist Church School of Congregational Development. One of our main speakers was Tod Bolsinger, the pastor at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church and also the author of "It takes a church to raise a Christian".

On June 5th, on his blog "It takes a church", he reflected on his time in Maine. Though I know you can easily go to his blog with a click of the mouse, I am adding his complete column just in case you are more comfortable staying here. What I really find interesting are questions 2-58 in his "talkback session". It creates concern in my heart and a challenge in my soul, to remind folks that we have been given everything we need to do God's ministry, to grow the Kingdom, we've just got to take the time to figure out what God intends for us to do with our abundant blessings. In a world that is so good at forcing us to compare what we don't have with what others have, we need to remember that in God's kingdom, God has given us everything we need, and faith in that understanding brings us great peace!!

Here is the blog writing....

One Question in Maine
Last fall I was invited to speak to a conference of Methodist pastors and lay leaders in Portland, Maine. The organizers of the conference had read It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian and asked if I would be willing to come and address a group of the "movers and shakers" who were looking at new ways of church.
Now, usually, I decline outside speaking engagements because I love my church and love being at my church and have plenty of challenges speaking and teaching within my church. But when I agree to speak somewhere it is usually because it is 1) with a friend I want to spend time with, 2) in a place I want to visit or 3) I think there is something I will learn by doing it. This one fell definitely into #3. I wasn't sure what I would learn, but I had a hunch that there could be something in this setting that God wanted me to get at.
So, I flew off to Portland, Maine for a quick turn around trip (left on a Thursday, was back on a Saturday and was preaching on Sunday back at SCPC). I gave three talks on the theme of the church as the answer to Jesus' prayer "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." This set of talks has been my standard "road set" for a year now. It's the theme I most want to encourage people to consider. I like to raise a missional vision for what the church is supposed to embody for the world and I always challenge them to consider that their home church, whatever stripe it is, whatever bent, wherever it is located, is supposed to be the embodiment of God's will, the foretaste of God's new creation, a glimpse at what we long for when we speak of "heaven" or "resurrection" or "new Jerusalem." That the CHURCH is God's demonstration of his character, his love and his truth. And I challenge people to consider what that vision means to THEIR church and THEIR lives.
And then I usually leave.
But this time, they asked if I would do a "talkback with the speaker" session; a Q & A with people who want to follow up on the issues I raised in my talks. So, that afternoon, approximately 60 of the 300 or so people who attended the conference came to my "talkback". I asked the group if we could get all the questions they wanted to discuss on the table and then we'd decide where there was the most interest and energy. So, I went around the room and gathered up all the questions. It went something like this...
Question #1: "How could we get our church more involved in some place like Africa, the way your church is?" Question #2-58: "How do you turn around a dying church?"
Over and over again that was the theme: Our church is dying and "renewing it" is killing us as leaders. We so want to lead into the vision of the Kingdom that you talked about it, but no one is following. What can we do?
I hadn't spoke about church turnarounds, or leadership issues, or bringing change. I had spoken on a missional vision, of the church being the embodiment of the Kingdom. I had wanted to encourage a group of movers and shakers by giving them a grand sweeping vision of what I contend the scriptures lead us to see of what God wants the church to be and that vision had only raised more discouragement.
And this has got me thinking. A lot.
I am a big VISION guy. I believe with all my heart that without a vision, people perish and that without a biblical vision churches become stagnant, complacent and consumeristic. Recently, I have been polled and surveyed and interviewed because SCPC is one of the few growing churches in our denomination and for the better part of ten years, my explanation for why has been our "missional vision".
But more and more I am thinking that Vision, while necessary, is not nearly enough. And the huge challenge of our day is not only recapturing a biblical vision for the church, but re-learning what it takes to lead into that vision.
The "Methodists in Maine" that I met were a great, earnest, sincere, hardworking, Bible-believing, Kingdom-committed bunch. But like most churches in America today, we are facing some uncharted territory in a culture that at every turn is opposing the way we are best at living out our faith and presenting the gospel. And in many ways, I see these same forces at work in my church, too.
To meet this challenge we are going to need a clear, biblical vision and a whole different set of strategies, skills, habits and behaviors. Vision and practices. A clear picture and a new set of skills. And exploring why this is so, and what we need to do about it is about the only conversation that I am interested in being in these days.

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Gotta Serve Somebody-Bob Dylan

As I read Matthew 6:24-34 I am reminded of this song by Bob Dylan. The text says that we must serve "God or wealth" while Dylan says "God or the devil" but the point is the same, we need to either serve God or some idol that most often ties directly back to evil. If we serve God we share in the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22. If we serve wealth, we live in the moment, we buy what we can, we collect all the toys we want, but we must also slave long and hard for the money to keep up that life style. The only "wealthy" folks that I know who are joy-filled are those who use God's gift of finances to do God's work.

While the video ends with a reading from Joshua, I believe it also speaks to Matthew's reading for this coming Sunday.

Who are we going to serve? That which is temporary - wealth while we are alive, or that which is eternal - God who formed us, knows us, loves us, and calls us to a life of hope and promise?

Something to think about because you "Gotta serve somebody"!!!

WOW 2008 New England Conference

A great event where not only are church transformation tools are taught but also a where the power of the Holy Spirit is caught!!! If you've got the time, join us and over 300 other Christians from around the New England area as we seek to spread God's kingdom in all places, in all ways, and all for God's glory!!!!

I can Only Imagine - Rick and Dick Hoyt

What is love? What is commitment? What is sacrifice? What makes a person complete? What do we think is impossible? How long before we place those limits before God? They are not just running a local race, this is the Iron Man Triathlon!!! What will we do today that will change the world? I can only imagine...

Blind Courage - Bill Irwin

On April 21, 2008 Bill will be coming to speak during both worship services. I also recently listened to his book "Blind Courage" about his journey on the trail. It was amazing!!! One story he told spoke of a man in recovery who said to throw your shoes way under the bed each night so that when you get up in the morning, you have to get on your knees to reach them. While there, say a prayer asking God to help you through the day. He said to do the same each night so that you can start your day on your knees.

Come join us if you are near enough!

Another chapter is finished...Thank you God and...

I am writing to say that my three year journey through the Doctor of Ministry program at Wesley Theological Seminary is almost done. At 4:45pm yesterday, I sent two copies of my project down for a final review, binding, and inclusion in their library (does that mean I am published now???). Lisa and I went out to celebrate with a meal at one of our favorite places in town (Penobscot Bay Inn) with a gift certificate that good friends gave us at Christmas. It's been an interesting walk with Christ during the process. I was able to explore and write about a subject for which I have great passion, small membership churches, and to learn many new ways in which we can work to restore the self-esteem of those churches.

I am grateful and will certainly miss the many friends from across the country that I met and the opportunity to spend two weeks each May and January gathering with others who were very committed to growing God's kingdom here on earth. Dan, Tom, Elbert, and Victor helped to create a wonderful and varied group of individuals (African-American, Korean-American, converted Jew, Euro-American, and Louisiana-American)from which I learned a great deal. Some of our conversations about ethnicity, ministry, family, regions of our country, and just everyday stuff were priceless and very educational. Each night we'd head out for our meal and we never really knew what we'd be eating. We had Chinese food in Chinatown, Authentic Korean, Ethiopian, Mexican, American, and of course chicken from Popeyes (I don't know which food group that fits into).

I am grateful for the chance to read a wide variety of books that have helped to shape my vocabulary as well as my ministry. I give thanks for the chance to learn from professors who were committed to us as students. For those who required the traditional papers and those who challenged us to be creative. From those who talked straight through in our classes to those who encouraged a great deal of conversation amongst the students. I will always remember how we rigged up wireless in one of the few rooms without it so that we could stay up with the world on the rare occosians when the lecture didn't interest us. How many times did we use "AOL IM" to send messages to each other instead of the scraps of paper we used in high school...LOL

Most of all though, I am grateful for my wife, Lisa. She pushed me to get my doctorate when I graduated from Duke and when I brought it up three years ago, she said she knew it was only a matter of time (I think that's how long it took me to be willing to open a textbook again!!). She allowed me to travel to Washington DC for a total of four weeks for a couple of years without much comment. During one of those journies, as we were working on the Lilly Grant that blessed our lives last year, she noticed a mistake I had made and coordinated everything at home to make sure the paperwork was submitted correctly and on time. She has been a quiet and supportive presence when I've spent hours reading and writing. She gave up precious family time so that I could spend more time with Weems, Ray, and Kemp. When I finished my paper last night, she seemed just as excited as I was, and she should, for she was a vital part of getting it done.

I do want to thank God for this opportunity and challenge. I don't care about being able to be called "Doc" or "The Rev. Dr...." but rather that I received an opportunity to better serve the small membership churches to which I believe God has called me. It was God who gave me the chance, the drive, the words, and now the responsibility to use what I've received for the glory of God and the good of all.

This chapter has finished but I believe there is another one about to begin...

We have a choice....

Attitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
'H-M-M,' she said,
'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
Looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going
to wear my hair in a pony tail.'
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
'YEAH!' she exclaimed.
'I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle .

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...



It's about learning to dance in the rain.
(A thank you to Mary for sending this along to me)

“Easter!!!!”

March 23, 2008
Sunday

Christ is Risen!! He is Risen indeed!
The texts for Easter, using the Revised Common Lectionary are:

Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2,14-24
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-18
Matthew 28:1-10

“To the angel of the church of Pergamum”

March 22, 2008
Saturday

Revelation 2:12-17

It’s Holy Saturday, the day between the death and resurrection of Christ. In some denominations there are prayer vigils or special services. During these times a great deal of reflection and listening to God occurs. In the city of Pergamum, God is calling them to listen to one voice, God’s divine voice. It appears that some are following other teachings and in doing so are leading God’s people into sin. God says to stop and to repent, or else.
On this day, who is it that we are listening to for guidance and direction? Is it the voice of God, sometimes small and other times like a great wind, that calls us to love and serve one another, or is it something else that may bring us temporary satisfaction but offers pain and suffering to others. When folks ask how I know if it’s God speaking to me, I tell them that I consider the results of my actions. While I may not know the final outcome, I can tell early on if I am going to be helping or hurting God’s children. If it helps, if it praises God, it is of God. Hurting does not praise God and it often hurts others. What teachings are we following? Are they helping or hurting? Do they praise God?

“It is finished”

March 21, 2008
Friday

John 19:30

It’s amazing to think that we’ve come to the end of this Lenten devotional. When we were putting together the grant application, the idea sounded great. Returning to the church on November 4th, I realized I had two months to get it all together. Before I knew it, we were at the end of January, and the idea of weekly devotional was born of necessity. Rationalizing, I considered it my Lenten commitment, giving to others instead of giving up a personal vice.
Well, we’re now at the end of the devotional and I can testify that God has worked in my life in exciting ways over these forty days. Reliving the physical journey, seeing how it has enriched my spiritual walk, and causing me to look forward to new directions in my life.
When Jesus said, “It is finished”, he only meant his earthly ministry as a fully human individual. For Jesus, he might not be around but there were others to carry on the Good News. Sometimes they did it well and other times they seemed to stumble along in the dark and unknown.
That’s what I feel like as I finish this week’s entries. As I say, “this devotional is finished”, I know God has more for me to do. I am honored that I am called to lead a congregation and to serve as a pastor with the challenge to equip and empower others to go out to share the love and grace of God in the world. As you finish reading this devotional, what is God calling you to do now? How is God challenging you to equip and empower others to share the love and grace of God with the World? It’s what God wills for us. Shall we do it together?

“Into your hands I commit my Spirit”

March 20, 2008
Thursday

Luke 23:44-46

It’s Maundy Thursday, the day that we remember the Last Supper in the upper room. It’s the night that Jesus sat with the disciples, used the common elements of bread and wine, and called them to remember him through the act of breaking and sharing in that feast. They didn’t know what it meant, but Jesus did. He knew that they would need a way to remember the love God had shared with them, and with all of us, through Jesus.
While in Turkey, there were a few times when I had the chance to touch water, remember my baptism, and give thanks to God. One of those places was in the Church of St. Peter in Antioch. The church was carved out of the side of a hill and is where Barnabas and Paul, among others, came and preached to the early Christians. Over in the corner of the room was a pool that collected water that naturally ran through the rock. When there was a baptism in the church over the years, the collected water was used in the celebration. Touching the water that day, I remembered the sacrifice and love of Jesus for me, of the great cloud of witnesses who carried the message through the generations, and my commitment to follow God’s will. It was a remembering, much like in the breaking of bread and drinking of wine.
When Jesus said, “Into your hands I commit my Spirit” in the last moments of his life, I know without a doubt that he committed his life to be guided by the Spirit. On this night when Jesus died that we might live, are you willing to commit your life to be guided by the Spirit? Don’t be afraid for such a promise offers life, not death.

“I am Thirsty”

March 19, 2008
Wednesday

John 19:28

One of the interesting aspects of our time in Turkey was having water with our meals. It didn’t matter whether we were eating at a local restaurant, on the top floor of a hotel, or in a fine establishment, water was never served with the meal. By that I mean that in the US, when we go to a restaurant, we can often ask for water with our meal and they will serve it for free with or without lemon. In Turkey, we only had water with the meal when someone in our party purchased it. While in Turkey I realized how I had come to expect free water at a restaurant.
In our faith walk, what do we take for granted? Do we simply assume God is with us every step of the way? Don’t worry, God is always there, but what do we do with the knowledge? What about a relationship with Jesus Christ? How do we show that we understand the power and presence of that relationship in our lives? Is a free response or do we expect something in return?
When Jesus stated he was thirsty, it was physical. He has had a truly horrible day and his body needed nourishment. On the other hand, spiritually, Jesus had the strength he needed as he was drinking the water that springs eternal within all of us. Do we know the difference?
My question for today is, knowing that we live in a land in which we can find water to nourish our body almost anywhere to meet our physical needs, how is our soul doing? Are we thirsty for living water? Are we having a hard day, week, year, life? Could we use something to give us strength to endure? If so, say to God, “I am thirsty” and then drink of the water of life that quenches all thirst.

“Here is your mother”

March 18, 2008
Tuesday

John 19:25-26

Above Ephesus, on Bulbul Mountain, is the House of the Virgin Mary. It is supposedly the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the Apostle John lived during the last days of her life, and where she was eventually buried. Much of the house is closed off to the public but there is an area, that looks a great deal like a chapel, where folks can walk through and pay homage.
I figured seeing the “house” it would be a “Catholic” pilgrimage—using the stereotype that if it had to do with the Virgin Mary, it had to be Catholic. The other three persons on the tour were Catholic, so I decided I’d go through the motions as I knew it would be an important place for them. I later found out it was also a place of pilgrimage for Muslims because Mary was the mother of one of their prophets and is mentioned many times in the Koran.
The place was packed with tourists as the cruise ships were in town. We followed the line past a nun and into the house. I was immediately moved by the sacredness of the moment. This was holy ground for me! Why? How? I don’t know. What I do know is that God spoke to me in that place, in a way that reminded me how dangerous stereotypes can be. I was also very much aware that God seeks us out even when we aren’t looking for God. As we moved through the house, I felt love, grace, peace, and comfort. Had Mary and John really moved here at some point after the death of Jesus? It didn’t matter. I knew in that moment that I was a child of God and that I was in the presence of my divine parent. It was amazing! Do you have such a relationship with God? Would you like to? I invite you to give it prayerful thought. I’d love to talk with you about it.

“Today you will be with me in paradise”

March 17, 2008
Monday

Luke 23:39-43

When Jesus is talking with the thief hanging beside him about paradise, I often think of heaven, of God’s kingdom where all are invited to live out eternity. However, on this day, I would invite is to remember the words of Jesus when he says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2) and also “strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Why? Because these words of Jesus remind us that the kingdom is not just something that we die into but also something we can live in each and every day of our lives, on earth and in heaven! As I reflect over our journey to Turkey, I would say that being able to spend three months with my best friend and love of my life was paradise. Some of the various sites that we saw as well as the foods that we ate, could very well be found in paradise. Seventeen days of blue sky and temperatures that were comfortable could be easily considered paradise. The opportunity to read from the Bible in sacred spots representing communities or events, was paradise.
As we enter Holy Week, and reflect of some of the last words of Jesus, I challenge us to not just look back and remember, or look forward and anticipate, but to also look at the present, seeking, seeing, and living in the paradise that God created, and is creating. For today we are with Jesus in paradise, God’s kingdom on earth!

"Passion Sunday"

March 16, 2008
Sunday

Today we walk with Christ from when he enters Jerusalem on the back of a donkey as the world’s savior to his death on the cross as a rejected king. We must experience each event to truly understand the power of Easter. Take time to read….
Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66

“Paul’s well”

March 14, 2008
Friday

Acts 9:1-18

On our fifth day it Turkey, we traveled to Tarsus, to see the house where Paul is purported to have lived. Today Tarsus is a very busy city. We turned off a main street and found Paul’s place in the midst of a bunch of back streets. But wait, it looked too modern as it was made of wood and had no walls. What was going on? We got out of the van, walked through the gate, got our tickets (everything has a ticket in Turkey!), and moved towards the structure. Our guide had us look down to see Paul’s house. Underneath a clear cover laying flat to the ground, about 10 feet below the ground were the remnants. “This is thought to be the Apostle Paul’s home”.
As I looked around there was a well in working condition. “They call it Paul’s well and some say the water has healing powers, “ continued the guide. “If you want, they will bring up some water for you to have.” What would it be like to baptize someone with water from Paul’s well? That would be cool! But would it be any more special because it came from the site of Paul’s house? I then remembered how Paul was concerned that folks in Corinth were dividing the church. “Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” No. Then I thought of my baptism in the name of God, Christ, and the Spirit and chose to use that moment, as I did at other times on the journey, to remember my baptism and give thanks to God for first loving me so that I could love others. The water, no matter from where it comes, is meaningless unless we understand the glory of baptism, of rejoicing in God’s grace, and celebrating our life as a gift from God. It is our response to God’s amazing love and grace in your life. Do you remember your baptism? Whether you do or not, do you remember why you were baptized? If you’ve not been baptized yet, maybe we could talk about it.

“Will you say “Caesar is Lord?’”

March 13, 2008
Thursday


While in Izmir, we visited the Church of Polycarp. It is a Catholic church dedicated to honoring this direct pupil of the apostle John who was tortured and killed at the age of 86 because he would not proclaim that “Caesar is Lord” and offer a small pinch of incense to Caesar’s statue. Polycarp said, “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” As a result of his unwillingness to denounce his faith in God, Polycarp was burned alive at the stake.
As we walked through the church, I was struck by the ornateness of decorations and color. It was an amazing place. Pictures painted on the walls and ceiling were of the Christian story, including the role Polycarp had as “the father of the Christian Church”. It was very comforting to see the Bible at the back of the church opened to one of my favorite stories, “The Walk to Emmaus”. However, the most unique aspect of the visit was seeing a relic of Polycarp. In the Catholic tradition, relics tie believers to the saints who have gone before them. For Polycarp, the relic, contained in a case, was a part of his skull bone.
As I reflected on Polycarp and his role as a martyr who died rather than live without Christ, I was reminded of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world today who willingly giving up their freedom, and sometimes their lives, to remain faithful to Christ. As we think of how Christ suffered and died for us, are we willing to say that we would be willing suffer and die rather than deny Christ in our lives? Are we willing to die to live for all of eternity with Christ? It’s something to ponder during this season of Lent.

“First Nicene Creed”

March 12, 2008
Wednesday

Near the end of our journey, we traveled to the city of Nicea, where the seven councils of Nicea were held. First we visited the church in which Councils 3-7 were held. When we asked where the first two councils were held, our guide pointed at the lake. “It’s out there, off the point.” (If you go to the website you’ll see a picture of it!)
The First Nicene Council, some 300 strong, gathered in 325 to discuss the heresy of Arius, (Arianism) which denied the divinity of Christ. In response, the Council created the Nicene Creed. The second council crafted the Nicene Creed that many of us know. Below are the words of the first Creed. By what statement of faith do we live?

“We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, that is, of the substance [ek tes ousias] of the Father, God of God, light of light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of the same substance with the Father [homoousion to patri], through whom all things were made both in heaven and on earth; who for us men and our salvation descended, was incarnate, and was made man, suffered and rose again the third day, ascended into heaven and cometh to judge the living and the dead. And in the Holy Ghost. Those who say: There was a time when He was not, and He was not before He was begotten; and that He was made out of nothing (ex ouk onton); or who maintain that He is of another hypostasis or another substance [than the Father], or that the Son of God is created, or mutable, or subject to change, [them] the Catholic Church anathematizes.”

Today I walked where Paul walked...part 2

March 11, 2008
Tuesday

Today I walked where Paul walked and I wondered what he felt as his steps fell before mine so many years ago. Was he anxious, nervous, or excited to journey through these lands?

To walk among the people who worshiped so many gods, to offer them the one true God in whom they all could trust. Did he feel great confidence or was he walking scared?

Was he working on what next to say or trusting it would come? Was he looking forward to the synagogue or fighting to get into the theater to share the Word he knew so well that he wanted just to share, to offer people eternal life, salvation, and grace beyond compare.

Today I walked where Paul walked and recognized the call, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with any and with all. In places that I know for sure as well as those away, to continue the journey begun so long ago as God has called me to do. To walk among the merchants, the friendly and the foe, the rich and the poor, the lonely and the lost.

With fear, excitement, nervousness and awe that goes with such a call. To recognize that another will walk where I have walked and not have them wonder if I was true. To share the love of God as Paul did when he walked the path before me... “

“Today I walked where Paul walked…” (An original Poem)

March 10, 2008
Monday

I’d like to start this week out by sharing a poem that I wrote at the end of our journey through Turkey. Because of it’s length it is continued onto Tuesday as well. I would invite you to consider what it means to walk with Christ in your life in the 21st century.

“Today I walked where Paul walked two thousand years ago to share the Word of God with those he met and I found myself in awe.

As I walked along the cobblestones in places like Ephesus, Sardis, and Philadelphia I wondered what he saw; the shops, the merchants, the lost and lonely, the rich and the poor; those who noticed and ignored him this man from away. As he passed the shops along the way what did they have to offer this man who had so much to offer them? Were they selling figs and olives, skins and fancy cloth, idols made of wood and silver, or spices and medicinal drinks sure to heal the common woe?

I wondered about the sounds of selling and of yelling, of moving and of flow. As I looked at the ruins of sand and rock it is so very hard to tell. I found myself listening to the voices of the many silenced so many years ago.

“Pray for the church and it’s ministries”

March 9, 2008
Sunday

As on every Sunday, I invite you to attend worship and to share in the celebration of God’s grace and love given to you through God’s Son, Jesus the Christ. If your church is following the Revised Common Lectionary, the readings for this day are:
Ezekiel 37:1-4 Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus”

March 8, 2008
Saturday

Revelation 2:1-7

What does God mean that the church of Ephesus has forgotten their first love? Their actions certainly seem to indicate that they are faithful to God—they, don’t tolerate wicked men or phony preachers. But God is concerned.
How many times in our faith journey have we been so busy being a Christian that we forgot about why we are doing it? By that I mean, how many times do we prepare a casserole for the supper, purchase cookies from the kids, attend every meeting we should, and get frustrated at the energy we are expending? These should not be obligations but rather ways to show our love for God through Christ. It’s our way to say “thank you for loving me in such an awesome way”. I tend to realize I’ve forgotten about living out my faith in Christ when I begin to feel all dried up inside. It’s then that I go to the well and drink again of the water that quenches all thirst. Have you forgotten your first love? If so, God invites you to come, rest, and sit in God’s presence and remember with thanksgiving your love for Christ in response to God’s love for you.

The Aspendos Theater

March 7, 2008
Friday

The Aspendos Theater

This is not the theater in Ephesus but the picture gives a better perspective of how all of the theaters were created. Those little specks in the middle of the picture are Lisa and the other members of our tour. It’s amazing how easy it was to hear their voices!
What I find so amazing is that we are even smaller specks in this whole world and yet God hears our every prayer and every thought. Do we believe that? Do we think we need special words or actions in order for God to really hear us? Do we think we need to be in a special place for God to understand what we are saying?
Might I invite you to talk with God, in your everyday voice, using the words you always use, and see just how clearly God can hear you. And, if you will sit in listen, God will speak to you as well. Thanks be to God.

“A Prayer for you”

March 6, 2008
Thursday

Ephesians 3:14-22

When I pray I often sit in a chair and lean back. On Sunday mornings, when I am preparing for worship, I either sit in the front pew or kneel at one of the prayer rails (they have cushions from the old church) facing the altar. I notice that some folks come forth after receiving communion and they kneel on the wooden steps up front while others stand. Where do you pray? In the pew? On your knees? Beside your bed? Does it matter?
When we entered into the mosques throughout Turkey we found no pews, no kneeling rails and no cushions. When the people come in to do their daily prayers they kneel, facing towards Mecca, and pray. Before entering the mosque we were required to take off our shoes and as I walked around inside I noticed that there seemed to be a little (and I mean a little) cushion underneath the carpet as to walk on it brought comfort to my feet. I guess you could say it brought comfort to my sole!
You see, I don’t think it’s as important where we pray as the fact that we do pray. For some folks, they can kneel on carpet for long periods of time in prayer while for some laying prostrate on the floor is where they feel closest to God. In these words from Ephesians, Paul talks of kneeling before God but what is most important is what he prays about. This is a prayer of hope, strength, thanksgiving, empowerment, and amazement for the people of Ephesus. Do we pray similar words for others? If we are disciples of Jesus, we should! Today let’s pray Paul’s words for our church with the same expectation that Paul had for the church in Ephesus.

“I can hear you!”

March 5, 2008
Wednesday


The theater architects of 2000 and longer ago were fantastic! They could create a space where people, without the benefit of microphones could be heard from the first level of seats all the way to what we now know as the nosebleed section! During our trip we visited 5 or 6 of these theaters. Each time we’d enter on the floor level I would climb as high as I could and listen to Lisa talk from the stage. She would talk in her normal voice and I’d hear what she was saying. No need to raise her voice just to be heard, just speak and I was listening. She could also hear me as I spoke to her from at least 100 to 200 feet away. Amazing!
Think about it. Why, in a much smaller space like our sanctuary do we need a microphone to be heard and boards to deaden the sound? Amazing! As I stood looking down at those gathered on the floor of the theater it helped me to understand a few things from the scriptures. For instance, it gave me a better perspective of how Jesus might be able to stand on a boat and preach to the crowds with the hills behind them. I was not as surprised about the 5,000 men plus others who followed Jesus with the expectation that they’d hear him as he spoke.
These folks didn’t worry so much about creating the perfect place from which to speak using the right sound enhancing and dampening equipment (I know that sounds contradictory) but rather they used what God had created as an example as to how they could serve humanity. Amazing!
What examples from God’s creation might we use to serve humanity today rather than trying to create something new by ourselves??

“Hearing voices”

March 4, 2008
Tuesday

Acts 19:23-41

If we read the whole chapter, we find out that Paul has been in Ephesus for over 2.5 years before Demetrious decides to take action. After all, the making of silver shrines and images was big business for Demetrious and his friends. Ephesus was known for its great temple to Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the world at that time) and if Paul’s words discredited the temple, it would be their worship and economic ruin. So Demetrious gets his friends riled up and then the whole town, which was a huge coastal city at the time. They move to the theater, where thousands upon thousands of folks gather for a rally against the Christians. Things did not look good at all and Paul wanted to go into the theater and try to talk with the unruly crowd. His followers talked him out of it, fearing for his life.
Standing outside the Ephesus theater, reading this text aloud, the tourists inside were talking and making noise. What was it like 2,000 years ago, with up to 25,000 people screaming, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”. How scary and intimidating it must have been. Yet Paul still wanted to go inside. I guess that was part of Paul’s directness and unwillingness to step away from a challenge to share the good news of Jesus Christ. But this time, I think his followers were right. As often as we want to jump in and defend Christ or argue for Christ’ sake, sometimes it’s best to trust God to take care of things. God did and it allowed Paul to continue on in his ministry. Sometimes we should enter the fray but other times we must stand down. In all cases we should listen for God’s voice directly or through others.

“What should we wear?”

March 3, 2008
Monday

Ephesians 6: 10-18

According to the information we received from our tour company, the weather was supposed to be in the fifties and sixties while we were in Turkey. Even though it was only mid-September, I had visions of a beautiful Maine fall day. We packed accordingly with long pants, jackets, and a couple of summer things, just in case. However, when we arrived in Turkey, we experienced a wonderful Maine summer and we were ecstatic. The only problem we had was what we had to wear. Having packed only a few summer things and with limited, and expensive, access to laundry facilities, we spent a portion of each evening washing clothes for the next day. The good thing is that the others on the trip had to do the same!
By the time we arrived in Ephesus, we were used to seeing the same clothes on everyone and tired of carrying a suitcase full of useless clothes.
In today’s reading from Ephesians, Paul challenges us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. This armor is not heavy, though at times challenging to wear. It does not need to be cleaned each night though we should keep up with it. It does not keep the sun out but does protect us from the heat of evil. It doesn’t require checking with the weather person or fashion expert but rather fits all situations. It gives us strength and the ability to withstand the storms of life. It is a gift from God. Amen!

“Celebrate”

March 2, 2008
Sunday

As on every Sunday, I invite you to attend worship and to share in the celebration of God’s grace and love given to you through God’s Son, Jesus the Christ. If your church is following the Revised Common Lectionary, the readings for this day are:
1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

“To the angel of the church of Laodicea”

March 1, 2008
Saturday

Revelation 3:14-22

“Make up your mind!” Throughout my life I’ve been accused of wanting to know all of my options before making a choice, even to the point of being indecisive. I say it’s because I want to make sure I have all the facts so I can make the right decision. On the other hand, I once had a supervisor who said it’s better to do something than nothing because at least you are taking action. God wants the folks of Laodicea to make a decision about their faith commitment. Be hot or cold! They were a very rich community but God says they were poor in Spirit. “Make up your mind!”
Where do we stand with God? Do we do the things that look good, to cover up the many things we should or shouldn’t be doing? God wants these folks to get off the fence and make a decision and God challenges us today to do the same thing. We can’t live half-in and half-out of the Kingdom! We must make up our mind. Christ is knocking. Do we answer and enter? I did and I thank God everyday!!! What about you? Make up your mind.

I'm going to be away for a few days...

So I've attached the devotional readings up through February 29th. I've predated them so that you'll know which ones go where. Just go back to the last time you read it and then read up (but still left to right!).

“Nuff said!!”

February 29, 2008
Friday


We had been in Turkey for almost two weeks, traveling around the country side, when we spotted a Starbucks Coffee shop. It was the first one we had seen. Lisa was getting tired of Turkish coffee and I hadn’t had hot chocolate since leaving the states. “Stop” shouted Lisa. The driver pulled in to the rest area and while others went to get cold drinks in the 80 plus degree weather, Lisa and I headed over for our coffee and hot chocolate! It was crazy but it was something familiar, something comforting, something of home.
How many of us react that way when we’ve not been to church for few weeks or haven’t had a chance to read the Bible for a while? Lent is a time for us to get familiar with the scriptures, to find the comfort that they bring, to recognize that we do have a home within them.
How are our commitments during Lent going? Are we experiencing the joy that God intends for us when we spend time with the Lord? There is something truly sweet when we are able to sip, or gulp, of the goodness that flows so freely from God to each of us. How about if we “stop” what we are doing today, on the road of life, and get a good taste of what God is serving! It’s hot stuff for certain!!! Nuff said!!!

“Is this the same place?”

February 28, 2008
Thursday

Acts 14

As our journey through Turkey progressed, and we stopped at some of the places that are mentioned in today’s reading about Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas, we were amazed at the different landscapes we seeing. We traveled through deserts, mountains, lakes, along coastlines, past cities, villages, and empty spaces. Each place was unique, was different though all had common things that they shared. There was family, community, land, the air that they breathed, and the sun that shone down on them. I would imagine that they even had similar conversations around the supper table or at the local market, though the names would have reflected local folks for that region. As I think back, maybe that was part of the learning for us, that we needed to see other parts of the world so that we could see their uniqueness but also understand our commonalities.
How often do we think that everyone is like us? When we worship together and I mention “the body of Christ” does the image include people from Cappadocia, Lystra, Perge? Does it include folks from China, Africa, Mexico, or even Canada?
Traveling, reading, listening, and sharing are all ways in which we can come to understand not only the many different landscapes of the Kingdom of God but also the many ways in which we are united, though far apart.
Today’s challenge is to expand our understanding of God’s Kingdom and to see how we are all loved by God. For if we do, there is hope for peace on earth.

“Dinner and Dancing”

February 27, 2008
Wednesday

Luke 22:7-19

The second night that we were in Turkey, as we stayed in Cappadocia, we had the chance to participate in a Turkish meal. We were told that we would eat authentic Turkish food and after the meal we would watch as individuals performed dances specific to the many regions of Turkey. As we moved through the night the dances told stories of weddings and woe, of joy and sadness. Some of the dancers truly enjoyed living out their heritage.
When Jesus gathered with the disciples in the upper room, they did so to remember the Passover Feast, the time when the plague of the first born —the final plague on Egypt, did not take the first born in the homes of God’s people who had placed blood of sacrificed lambs on their door frames. On that night with the disciples, Jesus took bread and fruit of the vine and created a meal of remembrance—the one we know as Communion, and told them to do it in remembrance of him.
We have many opportunities to do things in remembrance of our Christian heritage. At the Belfast UMC, we can take Communion every Sunday. We also teach our young and young-at-heart the stories of the Bible that they might remember and give thanks. What other ways do we remember and celebrate our heritage, our history? Do we dance and rejoice like Deborah when God grants victory? Do we use water to remember our baptism or ashes to remember from where we have come? More importantly, do we enjoy doing such things? It’s who we are.
Anyone care to dance?