Humeston Parish Churches - Online

Valentine Candies

2012-02-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Oliver R. Chase invented a machine in 1847 to cut heart-shaped lozenges from wafer candy and started a candy factory, the New England Candy Company (NECCO). Daniel Chase, Oliver's brother, began printing sayings on the candy in 1866. Way before that God figured out how to write “I Love You” and “Be Mine” on the human heart. Of the sweetness he offers he says, “Take and eat. Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Putting Christ First

2012-02-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of smart people out there. Maybe you are one of them. Smart people know that Putting Christ First is a total game-changer when it comes to how you live your life. And a lot of those smart people like their life as it is. So, they don’t Put Christ First. But they are smart enough to know that if/when they reach the place where they don’t like their life the way it is they can improve their situation by Putting Christ First. Some well known athletes and celebrities have done that – they’ve Put Christ First. You can listen to why they did online at www.iamsecond.com

4 Essentials for Spiritual Growth

2012-01-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Are you a brand new follower of Christ, wondering where to get started on your journey? Are you a long term follower of Christ, finding yourself in a spiritual rut?

Here are 4 essential steps to move you forward toward spiritual growth. Though simple, they are vital to building your relationship with the Lord.

Step 1 – Read your Bible daily. Find a Bible reading plan that’s right for you. A plan will keep you from missing anything God has written in His Word.

Step 2 – Attend church services regularly. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). This is also fundamental to spiritual growth.

Step 3 – Get involved in a ministry group. Most churches offer small groups and many ministry opportunities. Pray and ask God where you should “plug in.”

Step 4 – Pray daily. Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words.

There are no right and wrong words. Just be yourself.

Thanks to Mary Fairchild

First Things First

2011-12-08T06:06:00.001-08:00

Been out of town for a while? What are the “first things” you do when you get home? Who are the “first persons” you just have to connect with?

Are you finding your daily activity restricted – new baby, surgery, planting and harvest, or whatever? What is the “first thing” you plan to do when you get your life back? the “first place” you want to go?

Unexpected expenses? Once you get your budget back in line, what are the “first things” you are likely to splurge on?

These 3 questions help us realize the true priorities of our hearts, who and what we value as significant and special to us. These are the things and these are the people we need to be thanking God for every day, as well as to be praying for.

These 3 questions also help us realize that the concerns of God, our life with God, and our service to God are not among our “first things”. Sorry for the guilt trip, but no apology.

God came among us that first Christmas. We cheat ourselves when we ignore Jesus. God instituted the practices of the spiritual life for our benefit. We cheat ourselves when we do not practice them. Be good to yourself. Put Jesus first. Go to church. Give outrageously. Take holy time with your family. Pray.

Jesus is a friend like no other. But he is also sovereign God. Put him first.

Is There A Parallel Universe?

2011-12-01T08:48:00.001-08:00

We spend our whole earthly life on a single planet, in a small galaxy, somewhere in the vastness of the universe. Oh, the genius of it all. You’d think that would be enough for the human mind to ponder. Wrong.

The human mind imagines more. We visualize that which we cannot see or know. And we delight in questioning everything that is. Religious mystics of every age, ancient philosophers, theoretical scientists and endless writers of fiction feed imagination and fuel inquiry.

Thus my opening question, “Is there a parallel universe?”
And (for you SciFi buffs) the further questions, “If there is a parallel universe, what might be the classic character markers defining a hero in that universe?” And, “How would you know who was greatest of all?”

My answer to my opening question, “Is there a parallel universe?” is yes there is and it is now. It is a spiritual universe, concurrent with the created one in which we live. Its values are strange to us and its heroes even stranger.

It is a universe where each person’s character is revealed, not by how they live, but by one thing only, by how they respond to Jesus.

It is a universe where suffering equals victory and where death has no power, where the greatest one is the least among all, and where the triumph of the self is the self’s ultimate defeat.

It is a universe measured by different dimensions, not by time and space, but by sacrifice, love and grace. It is a universe of endless joy and perfect peace, as sung at the manger in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.

Hmmm. Parallel. Spiritual. Universe.
Hmmm. Christmas. Savior. Carols.
Hmmm. Character.
Hmmm. How they respond to Jesus.

May your Christmas be Merry, full of endless joy and perfect peace. God bless you.

Blockages

2011-11-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine went to a spiritual counselor.
The counselor said,
“Can’t do anything for you. Too many blockages.”

What’s blocking your view of the sun in the sky?
What’s keeping you from seeing the absolute beauty in your love partner?
What’s reigning in your magnificent potential and your soaring dreams?

You need to dump the trash!

Thankfulness will not enter a cluttered life.
Not even if it’s cluttered with only good things.

“Think on things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. … And the God who gives us peace will be with you,” says the Bible.

So where’s the God of peace,
When your mind is filled with the clutter of cares and responsibilities?
When life is nothing but action, and a series of rapid choices?

Blockages.

Too busy. or Too bitter. or Too burdened.
Oh dear, that’s not life.

You need to dump the trash
And let thankfulness in.

Just do it.

The "Family" Time of Year

2011-10-18T06:52:00.001-07:00

The "Family" Time of Year

In the church "Family Time" starts early this year.

Family photos for the church directory
Have you scheduled your photography yet?
Thur & Sat afternoons available Oct. 20-22
It's free. And we want everyone to be in it.

Family gifts to keep the church open and vital
How much does the church mean to your family?
Promise Sunday is Oct 23. Promise cards available then.
It's fair. And we want everyone to help.

Family Ingathering Kits to help with disaster relief
Have you decided which kits your family will bring?
Kits will be piled at the altar Sun Oct. 30 and dedicated.
It's fun. And we want everyone to be blessed.

Together we are the "Family" of God

Financial Relief - God's Way

2011-09-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Starting October 4th – “Managing Our Finances God’s Way” – with Stan Lovett

Friends, the economy is still staggering. Families are struggling. Good people trying to pay their bills, save their job, and get out of debt, just can’t.

The parish is offering the community a class called
“Managing Our Finances God’s Way,”
a program of Crown Financial Ministries.

Humeston Public Library for 7 weeks
Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm
beginning October 4th.

Every Mormon Trail person, couple or family is welcome
Best for couples both to come
All workbook costs are waived

Plain-English budget and debt management tools from Iowa Extension Services will also be available.
The program is beneficial regardless of one’s economic level, spiritual outlook, or seriousness of financial concerns.

Stan Lovett, whose training has been with Crown Financial Ministries in North Carolina, will be leading.
The speakers on the DVD (Rick Warren, Chip Ingram, Chuck Bently, Howard Dayton, and Ron Blue)are the truly inspirational heavy hitters in the field.

Pre-registration is appreciated but so not necessary.

Here and in a growing number of churches couples are gathering
1. to review God’s principles of family financial management,
2. to support one another in applying those principles when the going gets tough,
3. to find relief and financial freedom for themselves, and
4. to better glorify God with their lives.

Check the website (www.unitedtrinityparish.com) , or “Like” our page on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/3otkuqf ) to keep up on the “Managing Our Finances God’s Way” announcements.

Faith is the confidence of things hoped for and the assurance of things unseen. (Heb 11:1)

2011-09-14T06:54:00.002-07:00

We think of faith, living the faith, walking the faith. When we think of sustaining faith we know we are the people of God in the world every day. We know that God watches out for us and hears our prayers. And that is one fine and reassuring definition of faith.

But a more radical definition of faith is the “get out of the boat” kind of faith, like when Jesus, walking on the water toward the frightened disciples in the boat, spoke to Peter and said, “Come.” Peter, of course, obeyed and walked on the water, too.

That kind of faith is really stepping into the unknown. It is a step of obedience and it follows upon God’s unique and specific word of direction to a believer.

When such a word from God comes to you and you step out of your boat, you immediately find yourself in uncharted territory, with no guide but God.

That’s when faith gets scary. And that’s when Jesus truly proves himself. It’s scary because you’ve never been there before and you really have no plan. It’s assuring because you experience Jesus’ strong hand rescuing you, guiding you, blessing and using you in the most wonderful and unimaginable ways.

There’s sustaining faith which is 24/7. And there’s radical, “get out of the boat” faith whenever God speaks an individual word of specific direction. Be assured that God is with you wherever you are in your faith journey today. Have faith.

GET FIT

2011-09-14T06:54:00.001-07:00

A Fresh Start and Fall Schedules
With the beginning of school, September brings a fresh start for many of us. Our churches, schools and communities start up many programs. As you consider the options available, you might want to take a look at a) your life-style and b) your self-care practices and evaluate which ones would be most health-full for you.

What habits will you need to change or alter?
Do you want to schedule more time for physical activity,
or an intentional time of spiritual reflection or relaxation?
What about a specific night for a date with your spouse
or a time that the whole family spends together?

You can’t afford to be haphazard about self-care. Ask yourself these questions:
What is my greatest need?
Which one dimension needs my attention now?
Do I need to focus on
 caring for my physical body,
 strengthening my relationships,
 stretching myself intellectually,
 renewing myself spiritually, or
 managing my finances God’s way?

What do you have to do in order to GET FIT? The parish offers 3 fitness programs.
Physical fitness – Yoga Monday mornings, and afternoon Aerobics starting soon
Spiritual fitness – A 7-month spiritual challenge beginning in October (TBA)
Financial fitness – “Managing Our Finances God’s Way” Small Groups, Oct 1st.

God..is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck and gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. (Psalm 145: 17b-18 The Message)

I invite you look at your fall activities with an attitude adjustment, with a picture of a fresh start. I hope that you will intentionally create a health-full balance for yourself, and that our parish programs might serve you well as you work to GET FIT.

[This article adapted from and article written by Kae Tritle, RN & Wellness Coordinator for the Iowa Annual Conference of the UMC, for the September issue of Lower Lights, the online newsletter of the South Central District.]

Penny-Worth

2011-08-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

In the book entitled, “The Externally Focused Church” by Rusaw and Swanson, the authors tell a true story.

“In 1987, Mike Hayes of Rochelle, Illinois, was a freshman, at the University of Illinois, and was trying to figure out how to pay for College. He wrote to Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene, asking each of Mr. Greene’s readers to send Hayes a penny. Greene took a liking to the idea and asked each of his several million readers to send Hayes a penny. Thousands responded. In less than a month, “Pennies for Mike Fund” contained 2.3 million pennies, which at that time would actually pay for four years of college.”

The Penny-Worth lesson for the Church the authors of the book are pointing out is that the church’s greatest impact may not stem from asking for great things from a few people, but from asking many small things from a lot of people.

Rev. Doug Anderson of the Rueben Job Institute for Pastoral Leadership has a saying, “One does not have to change everything to change everything!”

Sometimes the problems that we face in our communities, our families, our lives seem so over whelming. We feel like we cannot do everything, so we end up doing nothing. But the fact of the matter is that always we can do something, a Penny’s Worth at least.

What Penny-Worth thing is waiting for your penny today?
Who needs your last Penny of love? or forgiveness? or encouragement?
With whom can you share a Penny’s worth of grace?
In what local project can you invest a Penny’s worth of effort and goodwill?

And for the parish I’m also asking a Penny’s Worth, many small things from a lot of people – a daily prayer, a worship service, a Bible chapter read, one fitness or Sunday School class attended, a mission blanket purchased, a “God story” shared, a pint of blood donated, a shut-in visited, one invitation extended. What Penny-Worth thing will you bless your church with today? And be assured: whatever blessing you give will be returned many times over – pennies from heaven.

Credit where credit is due. I pretty much copied this article from Rev. Paul Smith, South Central District Outreach Minister, writing on page 3 in the July-August issue of Lower Lights, the District’s e-newsletter. But I changed the ending. Thanks Paul for your good article. Read Paul’s original ending here and scroll to page 3.

Thoughts for Men

2011-07-06T09:35:00.001-07:00

Got Family? Got Dreams? Got Problems?

There are two keys that will help you grow spiritually. These are very simple concepts.

1. You must invest in yourself. Simple right! Listen fellas, you have to be willing to invest your time, effort and money on your soul. To think a life and especially a spiritual life can be built without these elements is foolish.

Invest your money in things that strengthen your spiritual life. Buy a Bible. Give to the poor, your church, or your favorite Christian ministry. Your heart will follow your money for sure. Putting God first will not only help your soul. It will help you get yourself to a better financial point in your life.

Invest your time. Being isolated, especially from God, is a tough way to go. Attending worship, or meeting for study and service is certainly a worthwhile spiritual investment. We are all isolated in a sense. It is vital to stay connected. To stay inspired and motivated to grow you gotta stay in the loop with God

Invest your effort. This is the hardest of the three. Effort takes energy. But God’s spiritual energy can lighten your burdens. Prayer is an effort sometimes. Kindness, forgiveness, patience, and friendship all require effort. But such effort builds Christian character and produces Christian maturity. The investment brings great reward.

Are you tending to your soul?

2. You must put yourself in a growth environment. Surround yourself with a team of fellow seekers and you’ll never walk alone. Their understanding support and gentle encouragement will help you succeed. Teamwork wins.

Become a leader. Step up in your family or on your team and create an environment conducive to your spiritual growth. Come early to worship. Claim a ministry in the church or community. Organize a home prayer or Bible study. Travel together online or in person to inspirational places. Make sure every team member has access to these events and participates.

Focus on the fundamentals. Everything has certain steps or fundamentals that are essential for growth or to make something better. The fundamentals of spiritual growth are ancient, proven and powerful. Review and practice the basics with your team always.

Do you have a growth environment to connect to? Are you connecting on a regular basis?

I have yet to meet anyone who has built a successful spiritual life by ignoring these two basics. 1. Tend to your soul. 2. Travel together.

June News & Notes

2011-07-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Garden Grove VBS
Held during the week of June 20-24, 5 youth and 9 leaders learned that God is our HERO. While studying about 4 youthful everyday heroes in the Bible whose names are never even mentioned we learned that we are God’s heroes when we 1. do the unexpected, 2. step out in faith, 3. save the day, and 4. stand for truth . For our mission project we raised $118 to purchase children's board games for The Child Life Program at Blank Children's Hospital.

I-Cubs Baseball and Randy’s Tail-gate Brats
79 members and friends of United Trinity Parish enjoyed I-Cubs baseball and Randy’s tail-gate brats at Principal Park on Sunday June 5th, following song services in both churches. The I-Cubs started off with a big lead, but lost it. Thankfully they came back to win the game in the 9th inning after blowing an 8-0 lead. The weather was perfect, and what fun to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with so many friends. Already looking forward to next year.

Annual Conference
Kris Thomas and Pastor Dale represented the parish as delegates to the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church June 4-7 at HyVee hall. There was a lot of worship and study time, which was really quite exceptional. The conference speakers were amazing, encouraging, inspiring. Among them were our own Bishop Trimble, Mike Slaughter, Bishop Peggy Johnson, Dale Batcheler, Norma Morrison, Cynthia Wilson, and our District Superintendent Bill Poland. Check out their impressive bios here. Or check out the online audio archive to listen to any of these amazing speakers. Kris and Pastor Dale recommend you at least listen to one of Mike Slaughter’s talks.

What? A Harvest Festival in June?
How can that be? It’s easy. Even we did it. Here’s how. Last September at the LeRoy Presbyterian Harvest Festival 40 or so folks purchased tickets for a family-style dinner at the McClung House. Well, traditionally this dinner happens right after Christmas, but for one reason or another it kept being rescheduled. Finally on June 11 we enjoyed a fabulous roast beef dinner, with, you know, that incredible brown tapioca pudding that comes as a salad and satisfies like a dessert, not that we didn’t have dessert, too. I’ll do Harvest Festival Dinner any time of year if it’s at the McClung House, you betcha.

Kids to Camp
Our 2010-2011 TUF Team (after-school) program ended in April, except for those 6 TUF-Teamers who registered for summer church camp. This year all of them attended the Christian Church Conference Center in Newton during the last week in June. Scholarships from the church and from the camp itself make it possible for anyone to attend. It is the commitment of both the parish and the camp that cost will not keep any child who wants to from attending church camp. Parish scholarship money comes from our Cans for Camp program, where members bring their recyclable cans and plastic bottles to the church for us to reclaim the deposit on.

The Use of Money
Following the reasoning in John Wesley's Sermon #50 Pastor Dale preached 3 sermons on the use of money. Wesley's 3-fold rule on the use of money is: Gain all you can, Save all you can, and then Give all you can.
But since Wesley's time the English language has changed a bit and those 3 words Gain, Save, and Give don't mean today quite what they meant to Wesley.

Gain Gain all you can means to work hard. It is the opposite of sloth or laziness, and does not refer, as entrepreneurs today might think, to building wealth.

Save To Wesley, Saving is the opposite of accumulating money or goods. It is restraint in spending. It is living simply with only the necessities of life and health.

Give Give is not about giving a percentage to God or the church, but understanding that it all belongs to God. It is about taking care of God's possessions entrusted to you in a generous manner, providing for the wellbeing of all creation in this order 1st yourself, 2nd your family, and with your "overplus" 3rd the household of faith, and 4th the rest of the world.

Grace for Troubled Times

2011-06-07T06:45:00.001-07:00

Need a vacation, a rest from the weariness?
Sit with God as you might with the ocean.
You bring nothing to the ocean, yet it changes you.
 Sean Caulfield

I was watching the rain today. Rain we did not need. Heavy, and no wind. Dancing, slapping, beating down on everything as far as I could see. Not like my puny little lawn sprinkler. While I was watching I got to thinking that God’s grace and goodness is over all. It touches everything, beats down on everything. More like the rain than any human-made sprinkler. I sat and watched the rain today. I sat with God. And it was good.

~ ~ ~

Need a change, a break from the worthlessness?
Unless someone will pay a higher price for me than Jesus did, they’re not allowed to tell me what I’m worth. I will be used for God’s glory.
 Nikki (Air1 Christian Radio, the Positive Alternative)

It is Jesus who determines a person’s worth by how high a price he is willing to pay to cover their debt. Nikki says Jesus paid a high price for her, made the ultimate sacrifice. And because of having been made worthy she will glorify God all her days. Jesus died for you too. Why? Because you are worth it. Therefore you, too, are … worthy! And since your worth comes from God in heaven, no one on earth can take it from you. Never worthless. Forever worthy. Sit with God today. Praise the Lord.

My Favorite Month - May

2011-05-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi, Pastor Dale here with some personal reflections on God's little blessings.

FAVORITE THING this month = MY BIRTHDAY.
Usually I don’t pay much attention to birthdays, but this one was really fun with all the birthday cards, text messages, facebook posts, phone calls, and emails. Messaging today is kind of like surround sound. It comes from everywhere and sounds rich and full and oh so sweet. Thanks to everyone for “making my day.”

FAVORITE PEOPLE this month = DENNY AND KELLY
My classmate and good friend Denny Butler died after a heroic battle with cancer. I am so grateful to have known and enjoyed him, and to have re-connected with him this past year.
My new friend, Kelly Lee James, from last year’s Cowboy Church, lost everything but his life in the Joplin tornado. His faith is guiding him through his devastating losses and inspiring others. The shining faith of both of these men of God is a living testament to Jesus. Is there anything better than good Christian friends?

FAVORITE EVENTS this month = STUDENT EVENTS
I love it that the youth and the youth leaders from the church are responding to the needs of tornado victims taking supplies to Joplin.
I love it that the Garden Grove Post of the American Legion conducts the essay contest for the 5th graders on “What the American Flag Means to Me,” and then leads the outdoor service, teaching the students how to honorably retire worn and tattered flags.
I love it that Mormon Trail Seniors attend Baccalaureate. This year was amazing – the Senior Class, the teachers, the program, and all the pastors together.

FAVORITE FAMILY MOMENT this month = CHELCEE'S GRADUATION.
I was so happy to attend the first of our grandchildren’s graduations – Chelcee from Park Hill South in Kansas City area. So proud of you. LOL!

FAVORITE TIMES WITH LINDA this month = WEEKENDS.
First, to Oklahoma City for a family wedding Linda was officiating for Derrik and Malorie. Friendly and Fine. Driving through the Flint Hills of Kansas is really restful to me. I call it my “prairie fix.”
Second, a relaxing, local, 4-day Memorial Day weekend, which included a little mowing, a little cleaning, a lot of relaxing, going to a movie, and the Ft. Des Moines Memorial Day program. Sweet month, May.

It's May

2011-05-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, it’s May already, with final exams and graduations, Mothers’ Day, planting and gardening, Memorial Day, 4H and more. Time sure marches on.

But before we move into summer I’d like to lift up a huge congregational Shout of Praise & Thanksgiving to God for all the Heavenly Blessings we enjoyed in April. Surely the Presence of the Lord was in this place.

I want to celebrate a full and wonderful year of TUF Team after-school programs. Thank you Lord, for these great youngsters and our whole team of leaders. Our final gathering for the year was a dinner the youth prepared for their families. 59 people were served. A happy night and a great year! 6 of the youth will be attending camp this summer with the help of the Cans for Camp. Thanks, too, to all of you who bring your cans to the church for us to recycle for cash.

*On April 9 the Upper Midwest Region of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, re-organized their regional governing by-laws, a vast and exciting change that promises stronger lay leadership in Regional ministries and administration. The Region also elected the interim director, Bill Spangler-Dunning, as director.

With Easter coming so late this year, the Holy season of Lent filled most of the month. We kept that season by having a Sunday night Study Series at the LeRoy church. For four weeks we studied, with lively debate, “A Life Worth Living” by Bruce Wilkinson. We ended the series with a mission report from Linda O’Connell and friends from the Presbyterian Church in Indianola who together had traveled to El Salvador to visit a *mission site with which they have connection, called “Our Sister Parish.”

The Holy Week communion services were soooooo… beautiful and meaningful, impressing us with the cost of salvation mercifully paid by Jesus on the Cross, and the endlessness of God’s great love. Then, with the sun shining and spring hope in the air, Easter arrived. What a perfect day to receive New Members in both churches and celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism by immersion at Humeston.

April’s best. The parish is celebrating a huge achievement. Challenged to read 400 chapters in the Bible each month from Oct 2010 to April 2011 (2800 chapters in all) we exceeded the challenge 3 fold. By April 30 we completed reading a total of 8821 chapters (or an average 1261 per month). How awesome is that!!!!!!

Other April events included Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship Dinner, United Methodist Women mission disbursements, scrolling announcements being projected in church, and the parish attending an Iowa Barnstormers game at Wells Fargo Arena.

Spring - Easter - Spring

2011-04-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Come to the Palm Parade during worship
both churches – April 17th

Join us in Remembering Jesus’ Last Days
Thur April 21 @ LeRoy – Communion Service @ 7 pm
Fri April 22 @ Humeston – Communion Service @ 7 pm

Celebrate! Worship! on Easter Sunday April 24
Youth Sunrise Service and Breakfast @ 6:30 and 7:15 am
Easter at LeRoy – 9:00 am
Easter at Humeston – 10:30 am

The Church in the World Today

2011-03-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

A church member asks, “How can I minister, even in my own little world, when it has pretty much become to me a foreign land?” It’s no longer the world I grew up in.

A Lucas County youth pastor is telling me that one of the small group leaders in his ministry community (a woman) has a number of young girls in her group struggling with serious eating disorders.
- Not the world I grew up in.

He talks about cutting - young men and women seemingly addicted to cutting themselves, and if not addicted, at least using cutting as a way to temporarily drive away the greater and more horrible inner pain they face daily.
- Not the world I grew up in.

Here are some questions parents asked online.

1. In a time of overbearing parenting and institutionalized narcissism, how can I cultivate caring in my children?
2. Sometimes my husband will say – we need to toughen these kids up; they have to live in a tough world. How do we balance teaching them kindness/gentleness vs being tough?
3. Growing up in an alcoholic family, and with anxiety as an adult, how does one manage anxiety with parenting?
4. Can you help me with spiritual principles for my 6-year old? She asks many questions about God and I don’t know how to discuss spirituality with her.

What a challenge for today’s church.

Where in your faith community can youth and parents like these turn for help? Can they turn to you? to your church? In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus called the 12 disciples and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness.

From the beginning, ministry in Jesus’ name was the work of the church. Another Matthew, Matthew West, has a contemporary song about living in, and then breaking out of, “My Own Little World.” The chorus of that song asks

“What if there is a bigger picture, What if I’m missing out,
What if there’s a greater purpose, I could be living right now
Outside of my own little world?”

From St. Matthew to Matthew West, Jesus is the same.
The church gathers in his Name for worship.
That’s good! --- good for one’s soul.
The church disperses in his Name for ministry.
That’s also good! --- good for the world.
He is the Son of God. All power and authority are his. He calls. He sends. He disperses his followers to minister, even among wolves, with these words, “Do not worry about what you are going to say [or do] or how you will say it [or do it]. When the time comes, you will be given what you will say. For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

- Not the world you grew up in?
- For sure!

But it is still God’s world. And it is still the world into which the church is sent. From the beginning, ministry in Jesus’ Name was the work of the church. It still is.

The JESUS Film - Overcoming the Darkness

2011-03-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

In March and April we want everyone to have the opportunity to view The JESUS Film. We will be showing it in the churches, around town, anywhere we can. We have DVD and VCR copies to loan. VHS and DVD copies are available at the Humeston Library if you are unable to attain a copy at the church. The film can also be seen on your computer right here in over 100 languages (English, Spanish, or whatever).

I recently read an article in a devotional booklet about Candra and John Penny’ mission venture in Benin. The mission was called Benin Beginnings and was a JESUS Film mission trip.

They wrote, “Imagine visiting a remote nomadic West African village, sitting with a king, visiting the Voodoo center, and being confined inside after 10:00 pm because of the Voodoo worship ceremony going on outside.”

I said, “Oh yes, I can imagine.” I had an experience so like that in 1995 while ministering in Ghana, except it was a Voodoo tree upon which spells had been cast and which, reportedly, had the power to harm and kill. It was a frightening place. I could feel the evil.

Benin is an impoverished West African nation where hundreds of years ago its inhabitants were marched down dusty paths to the ocean where they were loaded on to slave ships bound for the Caribbean and the United States. Benin has many village languages and nomadic tribal groups.

Candra and John were visiting the Fulbe people, showing the film over and over in several different local languages. They and their team saw 19 new house churches started. Literally thousands of people in central Benin came to pray, to seek God’s forgiveness and mercy, and to open their hearts to follow Jesus.

What a miracle.

Pray for such a miracle in South Central Iowa these next two months, the miracle of Jesus overcoming whatever darkness is destroying people’s lives. Pray for God to use you in accomplishing this miracle.

As Promised on Sunday

2011-01-31T21:24:00.000-08:00

At church Sunday I promised I would post the two Cybertales I read from the pulpit. Here they are. Scroll down to read The Christ-like Thing and The Masters Way.

The Christ-like Thing

2011-01-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

Chuck and Helen are friends of ours. Years ago I learned an important lesson from them as they told me about a particularly difficult situation they were in.

The small-membership church Chuck was serving was going through a cruel and nasty time. The members were not working out their disagreements openly. Instead, this unhealthy situation was marked by backbiting, criticism and general negativity. Lots of misplaced feelings were being directed at Chuck, Helen and the kids. And it was wearing them out.

I visited with them at their weariest. I felt so bad for them. Trying to empathize I inquired if they were “fixin’ to leave.” Their response was a lesson I never forgot.

Chuck and Helen said that no, they were not fixin’ to leave, but that they were fixin’ to increase their giving to the church from 12% to 16%, even though they did not know how they possibly could. To my astonished, “Why?” they answered, “We just have to find a way to love them more. And in our experience, our heart sometimes follows our giving.”

This is the lesson I learned: I can always love more. Love is what I am called to do. And, in Christ, love is what I am empowered to do.
Pastor, will you give more love to those you serve?
Church member, will you give more love to those among whom you serve?
It is the Christ-like thing.

The Masters Way

2011-01-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

Early in my Christian reading I realized that though he never wasted a minute Jesus did not hurry anywhere. I noticed that he stopped lots of times to visit with, help, heal and teach friends as well as strangers. He valued everyone.

Jesus’ life had power because he lived the way he did. He lived for others. Christians believe that Jesus had come on the holiest of missions, to be the savior of the world. But he never let this mission overshadow his earthly ministry.

His ministry was a wayside ministry, a life giving, along-the-way ministry. What he did as he went about was of utmost importance. He was not one, as we say today, with places to go, things to do, people to see, worlds to win. He was one with life to give. And he gave it.

Early in my Christian life I realized that anyone could be like Jesus. I also observed in myself as in others a great unwillingness to live like Jesus lived. Thankfully a few saints in my life took time to remind me of this terrible tendency. I say thankfully now, but I never liked those reminders at the time, not a single one.

One incident is especially vivid to this day. It happened in Mars more than 30 years ago. The congregation was debating whether to address me by my given name or as Reverend or Pastor. Tom, a down-to-earth, retired oilfield worker took me aside one day. He said that he preferred to address me as Parson. I was flattered, but only ever so briefly. For Tom continued. He would do so to remind me that I needed to be a person first.

Tom understood. Calling me Parson was Tom’s way of leading me out of the comfort of my office and into the turmoil of people’s lives. Tom gave me my ministry that day. He showed me the Master’s Way.

There is HOPE - part 2

2011-01-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm at my computer trying to select the proper font for my "There is HOPE!" banner, when a hungry traveler comes into my office. His name is Rod. He's from Northern Iowa, and he looked hungry.

I asked him what he needed and he answered, "I am hungry." "OK," I said, at which point he interrupted me and said, "But what I really need is up there on your computer screen. I need HOPE."

It was a little past 1:00 and I hadn't had lunch yet , so we went to Wojo's Diner. We ate, visited, talked about recovery (his since 1992), and parted. As Rod got in his car he said, "Thanks for lunch, and for renewing my HOPE."

Everyone needs HOPE.
We, the Good News people, have it to give.
Lord, help us give more. Amen

There is HOPE

2011-01-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

There is hope for me. There is hope for you. There is HOPE. Just wait and see.

I love the Brandon Heath lines, "There is hope, for me yet. Because God won't forget,...HE's not finished with me yet."

That's a message people need to hear. Or so it seems from YouTube comments. Reckon I'll just have to lift high "There Is HOPE" as a theme to guide the 2011 missional and discipleship ministries of the parish.

Everyone knows someone in need of HOPE. Who do you know? And How can the church help you meet their need? Let us know.

4 New Christmas Posts

2010-12-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

Read and Enjoy the 4 Christmas Posts below
1. Framing the Christmas Story
2. Eyes on the Manger
3. Forty Cents
4. Christmas Makes It Easy

Framing the Christmas Story

2010-12-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

So, you’ve got this amazing picture. And your job is to find the perfect frame to go with it.

Framing the picture. That was the challenge both Matthew and Luke had. They had this amazing picture of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger.

You start asking yourself questions. Why do I like it? And why do I want it, like, permanently hanging there? What room will I put it in, and where? Who else will see it? And what do I hope to convey to those who do?

Matthew chose a kingly frame [the royal line of David, the Magi, and King Herod], a frame rich and royal. Luke chose a family, pastoral frame [cousin Elizabeth, hometown Bethlehem and local shepherds], a frame common and caring.

But they both had the same picture, the one and only Christmas picture, the picture of salvation, the picture of God’s ultimate love, the picture of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger.

Matthew put that amazing picture in a frame showing the infant King Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise, the completion of God’s plan of salvation through the people Israel.
Luke put that amazing picture in a frame showing the loving Lord Jesus as the source of all fairness, the perfect justice of God.

But it is the same picture, of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger.

In Matthew, the rulers political and religious see it and shudder. In Matthew, the faithful rejoice. In Luke, the proud, sly and self-serving get their due. In Luke the lowly, honest and true are blessed.

Taken together these two framers of this beautiful picture of the Holy Family tell us that in the Birth of Jesus the good rich, the good commoners and the good poor are blessed, and that the bad rich, the bad commoners and the bad poor are judged.

Our questions this Christmas are 1) What do you see in this amazing picture, Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger? 2) Where will you display it in your life and what frame will you use?

It really is a beautiful picture, Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the manger. Is there any better?

Eyes on the Manger

2010-12-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold?
Peace on the earth, good will to all, from Heaven’s all gracious King?

Nice words, but do they describe the real world. I don’t think so. Life seems more of an uphill climb and a burdened journey than the sweet words of this carol suggest. It’s tough out there in the world. Everybody wants something from everybody else. Compassion and fair play are rarely seen. It’s a hard-knock life. You have to grab for everything or else you’ll get crushed. In this, as in every, Christmas season so many people have to fight really hard to avoid dissolving into tears. Where is the sweetness of Christmas and the comfort of God in that?

The answer is in Jesus, the innocence of the baby Jesus, and his innocent death for the sins of the world. His beauty shines through the sorrow; his light overcomes the dark.

The Baby in the Manger is God’s sign that in the midst of difficulties, trials and tribulations, God is with us. God is with us sometimes lifting us, sometimes carrying us, sometimes lighting the way. God is with us. That’s the promise of Christmas. That’s the miracle of Christmas. And that’s the message of Christmas. God is with us.

Do you get it? You! you! are beloved and important to God. Jesus was born for you: to touch your life, to touch it with heavenly peace and Godly good will. Jesus was born for you, so don’t be overwhelmed by the world. Rather, let your eyes see and your heart believe the goodness of God. Let Heaven’s all gracious King change you. Be at peace and celebrate Christmas with your Eyes on the Manger.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

Thanks to WorshipConnection.cokesbury.com for these ideas.

Forty Cents

2010-12-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

My checkbook balanced perfectly with the bank. But I have another book and in it I divide my checkbook balance into several sub-totals, one for housing expenses, one for auto expenses, others for food, charity, medical, etc.

Last week I added up the sub-totals and, “Oh no,” I was missing forty cents. I re-checked the housing expenses. I re-checked the auto expenses. I re-checked everything. Still I was missing forty cents. I went back to the previous month and checked every entry, every calculation. Forty cents? No luck. I went back two months, then three months. Still I could not find the forty cents. This took like 3 hours.

Finally I gave in and added forty cents to the housing expenses. When I could not fix it I just made it right. I overruled the numbers and changed the books. I justified my totals. I reconciled my accounts.

We are like the forty cents. We are out of balance with God. Our lives don’t quite add up. No matter how hard we work or how much time we spend we can’t overcome the imbalance. We need someone to just arbitrarily decide to make it right, to make us right, to get us into balance with God again, to justify and reconcile us.

God did that. God loves you that much. God loves the whole world so much that he gave the world his own son, Jesus, to pay whatever to restore us in balance with God.

Christmas is God’s picture of everything in balance.

Christmas signals 1) God’s devotion to innocence and perfection, 2) God’s faithfulness and power over all creation and 3) God’s unwillingness to give up on us.

Christmas is God’s passionate promise to make it right for us, to cover our debt, to overcome the imbalance, to justify and reconcile us to the Glory of God. No wonder that Christmas is such a Merry Holiday!

Merry Christmas to you.

Christmas Makes It Easy

2010-12-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas makes it easy for parents to teach their children how to be Christian – how to read the Bible, to pray, and to care. Christmas makes it easy for parents to be the spiritual leaders of the family.

Christmas is a totally Biblical time. It’s an easy time to pull out a Bible and read together. Or to grab a children’s nativity story book to read at family time or bed time. The Christmas story is on TV and DVD. Watch it together. Or, stream it online at Faith Comes By Hearing or download the kidz version' Christmas is a great time to let your children see your devotion to Jesus and share your love of his birth.

Christmas is an easy time to Pray. Everywhere are images of people getting together – families, shoppers, bell-ringers, marching bands, church goers, and holiday travelers. And, at Christmas, many are the images of desperate need and the stories of heroic compassion. Our hearts are moved. We can’t help but be reminded of others and to pray. Prayer is such a natural Christmas response. So pray with your children. In communion with the Lord (maybe even kneeling) pray the real cares of your heart, the real needs of the world, and invite your children to do the same.

Christmas is the season of Caring. Christmas makes it easy for parents to teach their children the difference between giving and caring. Giving is something you do and are done with. And it’s opposite is getting. Giving is about stuff. Caring, on the other hand, is about relationships; it’s about people and what happens to them through the exchange of feelings, words and actions. Giving costs money and maybe time. Caring costs more. It costs a little bit of self, some heart, maybe even some burden-bearing. At Christmas parents can show their children the difference, lead them to build their spiritual characters, and encourage them to join Jesus in bringing the pain of the world to our Father in heaven.

Christmas makes it easy for parents to teach their children how to be Christian. Have fun! and Glorify God, as a family.

Hello Mr. Dale

2010-12-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

That's how Kelly Lee James started this happy message {testimony}. He writes:

Whoo what a year. God has so blessed us. I want to start by saying thank you so much for blessing us at your Watermelon Day festival. They're still talking about it and it was the coolest road show we played all year, people were great and we loved the atmosphere, it was charged with a little American Town feel and reminded me of what we {America} really stands for. Thanks again my friend.

Not only has God blessed us with Kellys Kountry Junction {BUT} we also have other shows that have opened up for us. Here in Joplin I just did my first Cooking show called {Country Cooking With Music}. These shows will be picked up later by channels in Oklahoma, Ark and Kansas. Kathy is also producing a new show which I will be hosting as well called Spotlite On The Ozarks.

If you have good talent there tell them to get ahold of me or Miss Kathy and send us some music or a video. We will send alot of them to Branson as well to appear on Branson Radio Live.

I am also talking with channel 13 here in town about doing a cowboy version of homecoming music, we will sing gospel music and give testimonies in the show. Be in prayer with me for that please. Let me take a breath. haha. And also our Cowboy Church may be on local tv, and a radio station in Kansas City may start playing us to. And we {Kellys Kountry Junction} have been asked to do a radio version of the show on Branson radio so I have to write those shows and one more, we may be talking about doing some live stage shows in Branson before long. God has brought us so far in such a short time.

But know this: I talked to the gang here and they all said if you ever want us for anything there you just call or text and we'll make a way to do it. Even if it's just a small church service. Don’t hesitate to ask us cause my friend we will do what you need done. After all this whole thing is about clean family TV and shows that help others in some way. No job to big or to small. We will be sending you copies of all 13 shows when they are done.

Mr. Dale, God bless you my friend and Merry Christmas from all of us here at Kellys Kountry Junction. PS. Tell Miss Linda hey.

Everyone who had a hand in bringing Cowboy Church to town, and everyone who attended the alumni dance, the Saturday stage show, and Cowboy Church this summer should feel pleased to have been used by God to bless this ministry. Let's keep praying for Kelly Lee James, his tv and radio shows, and his Cowboy Church ministry.

Cowboy Church - The Rest of the Story

2010-12-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Cowboy Church?

Kelly Lee James, country singer and composer from Joplin Missouri, together with some of the cast members from the Kellys Kountry Junction TV Show entertained us during the 2010 Watermelon Day celebration in Humeston and led us in worship at Cowboy Church in the Park the next morning. What fun.

From the first time I met Kelly I sensed that God would use our friendship in some remarkable ways. And God has. Kelly came to Humeston and while here not only encouraged our ministry but also touched a few lives. And we touched his life, encouraging him when he really needed it to continue in his calling to produce a “clean country comedy” show for public television.

Well now!

Since Watermelon Day the Lord has been busy in Kelly’s life. Via Facebook on Dec 1 Kelly proudly announced: Kellys Kountry Junction TV Show has been picked up by the Springfield Ozarks PBS Channel 26 for the Spring season 2011. Should start sometime in April. Saturday evenings. Time will come later. Thanks friends.

When Linda and I sent our congratulatory reply Kelly Lee James said more. He said:
I can't make any promises but we're coming soon to Iowa and talk to your PBS there as well. If they pick us up well be state wide. Pray God's favor over us and we sure appreciate it. Thank you my dear friends. Merry Christmas to you and hope it's a great Holiday Season for you.

UMCOR Kits

2010-10-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

UMCOR BIRTHING KIT
1 hotel-size bar of soap (1 oz. and up)
1 pair of clean latex gloves
1 square yard of clear 4-mil plastic sheeting
3 pieces of clean string, each 12’ long
1 clean single use razor blade (carefully wrap the blade in paper or plastic for protection)
2 flannelette receiving blankets, each 1 square yard
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag. (Value $8 plus $2 shipping)

HEALTH KITS help disaster victims reclaim their dignity and self-respect and are used as teaching tools with children. When people can maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves. Add $1 for toothpaste to be purchased by the UMCOR Depot.
• 1 new hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”)
• 1 new washcloth
• 1 bath sized bar of soap in wrapper (3 oz. or larger)
• 6 band aids (3/4”)
• 1 large, sturdy comb (not pocket sized)
• 1 new toothbrush in original sealed wrapper (no child-sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clipper (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
Fold the towel and washcloth and lay the other items on top. Place in a Ziploc bag.
(Value $12 plus $2 shipping)

SEWING KITS foster independence rather than dependence. Cottage industries often grow out of sewing classes where these kits are used to practice skills.
• 3 yards cotton or cotton-blend fabric (one piece)
• 1 sewing scissors
• 1 new spool matching thread
• 5-8 matching flat buttons
• 1 package hand sewing needles
Fold fabric and lay other items on top. Seal in Ziploc bag. (Value $18 plus $2 shipping)

SCHOOL KITS provide tools for education, which changes lives. In countries where children don't have books, school supplies or classrooms, a school kit may be their only educational resource.
• 3 Notebooks, approx. 8 ½ x 11 wide ruled
• 1 2 1/2” eraser
(210 to 250 sheets total) spiral or bound
• 1 blunt scissors
• 1 30 cm metric ruler
• 1 hand pencil sharpener
• 1 box of 24 crayons (ONLY 24)
• 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers
All items are placed in a sturdy cloth bag, 14” x 16” (finished size) with 22” handles. Do not put any of the
items in Ziploc bags. (Value $11 plus $2 shipping)
Empty school bags are also needed and are valued at $3 each.

LAYETTE KITS provide women with basic supplies for the needs of their new babies.
• 6 cloth diapers
• 2 shirts or 2 one-piece body suits (Onesies)
• 2 gowns or sleepers
• 2 baby washcloths
• 2 diaper pins
• 1 sweater or jacket open in the front
• 2 receiving blankets
Bundle items inside one of the blankets and secure with diaper pins. (Value $35 plus $2 shipping)

Baby sweaters or jackets may be sent and are valued at $6 each. Patterns for a knitted baby sweater or for
a sewn jacket are available from the district representatives.
For further information: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor

The Bible's Golden Chapters

2010-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here are more than 80 of the Best Loved Scripture messages of all time. Some are beautiful and uplifting, others are instructive and challenging.

Friends, God blesses every spiritual work of our soul. And reading the Bible is one of the soul’s more important works.

The United Trinity Parish has a Fitness Priority for 2010-2011 which includes this Bible reading challenge: Read 400 chapters in the Bible, October 2010 through April 2011.

IF you suspect that this activity can help you achieve the greater spiritual fitness you desire, we recommend the Golden Chapter Challenge: Read the 80 Bible Favorites listed below 5 times each.

IF your goal is to help our small parish read 400 chapters every month, you may read these or any chapters, anywhere in the Bible, randomly or Bible book by Bible book

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
And God bless you.

"We found this list of Golden Chapters in the Third Improved Edition (1957) of The New Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., containing Frank Charles Thompson's original and complete system of Bible study. The Golden Chapter index number therein is No. 4311."

Ascension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts 1
Backsliders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hosea 14
Beatitudes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .Matthew 5, 6, 7
Bread of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John 6
Brotherhood.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Romans 14
Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nehemiah 4
Burden-bearers. . . . . . . . . . . Galatians 6
Call, Universal. . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaiah 55
Call, Worker’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaiah 6
Chastening. . . . . 2 Corinthians 4; Hebrews 12
Confession. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 51
Consecration. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 3
Constancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Ruth 1
Contrast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deuteronomy 28
Converts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 32
Deliverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Acts 12
Divinity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 1
Dominion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 8
Duty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Romans 12
Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 11
Flood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Genesis 7
Frailty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 39
Friendship. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 1 Samuel 20
Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John 15
Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Corinthians 12
Gideon’s Band . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 7
Hallelujah. . . . . . . . . . . . .Revelation 19
Heaven. . . . . . John 14; Revelation 7; 21; 22
Holy Spirit. . . . . . .John 14, 15, 16; Romans 8
Humility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 13
Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Proverbs 1
Intercession. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . John 17
Joy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isaiah 12
Jubilee. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Leviticus 25
Judgment. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . Matthew 25
Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 20
Life Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 12
Love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Corinthians 13
Messianic. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Isaiah 53
Minister’s. . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Corinthians 4
Missions. . . . . . . . . .Psalm 72; Romans 10
New Covenant. . . . .. . . . . . . . Hebrews 8
Old Age. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ecclesiastes 12
Omniscience. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Psalm 139
Overcomers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Revelation 2, 3
Parables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 13
Passover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exodus 12
Praise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 103
Prayer. . . . . . . . . . .Daniel 6; Luke 11, 18
Prosperity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 73
Providence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 121
Refuge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Numbers 35
Regeneration. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . John 3
Rest. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hebrews 4
Resurrection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Corinthians 15
Revival. . . . . . . . . . .. . .2 Chronicles 30; Luke 3
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 91
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Luke 10
Shepherd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 10
Soldiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ephesians 6
Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Corinthians 2
Temperance. . . . . . . . . . . . .Proverbs 23
Tithers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malachi 3
Tongue. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . James 3
Transfiguration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew 17
Unity. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . Ephesians 4
Vanity. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . Ecclesiastes 2
Watchmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ezekiel 33
Water of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 4
Wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 3
Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 31
Word of God. . . . . . . . . . .Deuteronomy 6
Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalm 84

LeRoy Harvest Festival 2010

2010-09-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2010
Parade – 11:30 AM

Kids Games –
following parade
(Behind the church)

Music – 12:30 PM

Auction – 2 PM
Quilt drawing following auction

Supper – 5 PM
(Free Will Offering)

Snack Shack will be open all day.

LeRoy Presbyterian Church, LeRoy, Iowa.
For more information please call the church office at 641-877-4641.

Nikki says.....1M2L......

2010-06-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Nikki says…
A good self-esteem is great, a huge ego full of pride...well, that will lead you nowhere very quickly. If we develop soooo much pride and a "me" mentality, we end up not paying attention to anything around us, including our amazing Father. Word of Wisdom: Proverbs 16:18," Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (air1.com)

Tim says…
love deeply..and forgive quickly, take chances..give everything.. and have no regrets (1M2L.com the tongue of the wise brings healing.")

Nikki says....1M2L.....

2010-06-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

Nikki says…
There's a moment (or moments) where the sun isn't shining that nicely, & it's so easy to go the negative route and stay there. But it is a CHOICE to always think negatively, see the glass half-empty! Are you going to focus on the positive instead? Word of Wisdom: Proverbs 12:18, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (air1.com)

Tim says…
It is all about being a part of something big by doing something small. (1M2L.com)

# 100 - Family Prayer

2010-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Oh how we take our family for granted. Pray for your family, all of your family – brothers, sisters, parents, children, cousins, aunts and uncles. Pray for the immediate family, also the in-laws, out-laws, and ex-laws. Like a child at bedtime pray for each one by name, “God bless …. and … and … and etc” List them all by name, even if it should take an hour or more. They are worth it. They are family, kin to you and precious to God. Perhaps Sunday is the “most family day” of your week, or the most relaxed. If so, gather your family together and offer your Family Prayer every Sunday. You don’t have to bow your heads or close your eyes. Just mention different ones in the family, talk briefly about them, tell how maybe Jesus could help them out or maybe how he has helped them out. When you are all done, end by singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” Establish this practice and watch your family life improve. Don’t be surprised if the children quickly take the lead in this.

# 99 - Prayer Boots

2010-05-24T06:26:00.001-07:00

Loretta Ross (http://theprayinglife.wordpress.com) is truly a spiritual leader. Her denomination has endorsed her and her spiritual retreat ministry as being truly called of God. She tells of the early years of trying to discern her call, knowing that she had to be with God, alone with God, in that piece of God’s holy creation that would one day become her retreat center. One day per week, all day, she would walk the land and talk with God. On muddy days she would wear a pair of old rubber “farmer boots.” In time, those boots became her Prayer Boots which she wore regardless of the weather. Well worn now and set aside in an honored place those Prayer Boots remind her of the wonderful intimacy and intense distress that, way back when, shaped her ministry today. Prayer Boots. Would a pair of your own help get you outdoors and in closer communion with God?

# 98 - The Pittsburgh Experiment

2010-05-17T06:46:00.001-07:00

Built on the writings and ministry of Dr. Sam Shoemaker in the 1950’s and 1960’s this prayer experiment is a 30-day covenant between you and God. In it you promise to talk to God straight out about your deep thoughts and deeper feelings, knowing full well that he knows what’s in your heart and mind. Most of us cannot handle that kind of honesty for a day, let alone a month. In return you expect absolutely God’s answer to your prayer within the 30 days. This prayer form is a strenuous self-challenge of continual asking, listening, and arguing with God for an entire month, changing and changing again the wording of your prayer until your struggle-shaped prayer and re-shaped self finally conform to the true and answerable need of your soul. You must allow 30 days for this to happen, and it will. And when it does, God’s answer will be so immediate, perfect, and obvious.

# 97 - Jesus Prayer

2010-05-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Developed in the Russian Orthodox tradition the Jesus Prayer is a prayer that can be practiced not only in a monastic cell, but in the busyness of a lay person’s active, demanding life. The prayer consists of the following words: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” To pray this prayer speak it aloud and repeatedly, aware of the resonance of the sounds in your throat. Engage the lips, the mind, and the heart, while imagining the face of Jesus and opening yourself totally to the constant flow of his abundant grace. It is a passive prayer whereby our faith is stirred, our sin is forgiven, our needs are provided for by God’s mercy, and without our specific asking. (from Doug Rumford’s book, SoulShaping, pp 176-7.)

# 96 - Camera Prayer

2010-05-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you are more of an image person than a word person, you might prefer to pray with your camera. Oh my, you can say so much with a picture. With your camera you can capture so many things: beauty, shame, innocence, pain, achievement, artistry, and more. And now with camera phones there is no reason for you not to shoot a prayer pic every day.

# 95 Praying the Hours

2010-04-26T08:07:00.001-07:00

Praying the Hours involves using a very specific set of prayers for each part of the day.
Matins is pre-dawn
Lauds is morning
Terce is mid-morning
Sext is midday
None is mid-afternoon
Vespers is evening
Compline is night
Many monasteries (ancient and modern, Protestant and Catholic) have refined and developed a unique set of prayers for each of the Hours, reflecting the priorities of their Order. But they all use a combination of Psalms, petitions and praise. These are available in various books of prayer and worship, also in guides to prayer. I sometimes pray Compline with The Virtual Abbey as they post the prayers on Twitter (about 9:00 pm Central Time). At other times I scroll back to their earlier tweets to pray and meditate at my own pace. Praying the Hours takes a lot of self-discipline and because it does can be a powerfully transforming force in one’s life.

# 94 - Alphabet Prayer

2010-04-19T06:55:00.001-07:00

This is the A is for …, B is for …, C is for … prayer. Childish perhaps, but ever so useful. Think of 26 people, or countries, or causes each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, and as you do, pray. Your prayer can be a listening prayer as in “God, what concern of theirs would you place on my heart today?” Your prayer could be a prayer of thanksgiving or an intercessory petition. Take time to discern what there is about your alphabetic prayer concern to cry over or to celebrate. Then offer a tear or smile for each of the 26 as your prayer. Or, as you name each one, simply pray a general prayer like, “Willingly or unwillingly, Jesus, may they in some way a) experience your blessing, b) draw closer to you, c) fulfill your Godly purpose.”

# 93 - Disney Prayer

2010-04-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

Like the statues of the saints, Disney characters each represent a certain human trait or quality. You know people with all of these qualities. So you can easily pray your favorite Disney characters. Take, for example, the 7 Dwarfs. Using them as your guide to prayer you might pray for people you know who lead (Doc), who disapprove (Grumpy), who bring laughter (Happy), who are clumsy (Dopey), who are tired and un-motivated (Sleepy), who have allergies (Sneezy), who are shy and retiring (Bashful). In God’s kingdom there is a place and a purpose for everyone, just as in Walt Disney’s animated universe. When you finish your prayer, thank God for all the characters in your life, as well as for your own precious traits and qualities.

# 92 - Firefighter's Prayer

2010-03-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

As we approach Holy Week 2010, let’s remember that Christians are spiritual firefighters, rescuing those who are in peril of being engulfed by the raging fires of Hell. This Firefighter’s Prayer is as appropriate to our spiritual mission as it is to the heroes of our communities. When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life whatever, be its age. Let me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor and protect their property. And, if, according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless, with your protecting hand, my family and my wife.

# 91 - The Prayer Concert

2010-03-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

In many non-Western churches, Christians often pray aloud—all at the same time. The idea is to lift individual prayers to God in concert. Try it with your small group. Share prayer concerns and requests first. Then have everyone pray at once in low voices. No one hears specific words, just murmurs. The sound this makes is beautifully soothing. Imagine what it sounds like to God! An added benefit is that this form of prayer can help you focus on God and prevent your mind from wandering while someone else is talking to the Lord. This idea from NavPress e-newsletter March 9, 2010

# 90 - Lean into Jesus Prayer

2010-03-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

Leaning into another. It’s what we do when having a picture taken, when frightened at a movie, when feeling close in love, and when weeping in heartache. Practice leaning into Jesus in times of grief and sorrow and find assurance there. Jesus faced grief in a spiritually and emotionally healthy way. He wept – over the spiritual death of Jerusalem. He cried – at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. He agonized – as he faced his own impending death. And still, in his grief, he focused on his Heavenly Father, on his Father’s love, and on his Father’s purpose. He leaned into his Father’s strength, wisdom and love. He grieved while keeping his focus. Learn from Jesus. Lean into him, into his understanding heart, his strong love, his life-giving embrace. Words are not necessary, sobs and sighs are welcome. Lean into Jesus, weary one, lean into Jesus.

# 89 - Taste & See Prayer

2010-03-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

God loves the delightful things he has created; and when we enjoy them, he enjoys our enjoying them. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!" He created us to enjoy him and his creation. We certainly experience the Lord’s goodness at the communion table. No question about that. But meal times and snack times can also be sweet. You know, don’t you that in enjoying any satisfying morsel you can experience God’s goodness, for the Lord God made it all. At meal time, or whenever you enjoy a tasty delight, just thank the Lord. Turn the corners of your smile upward and say, “The Lord is good!” Or, just sing the Johnny Appleseed Prayer – “Ohhhh, The Lord is good to me. And so I thank the Lord. For giving me. The things I need. The sun, the rain and the apple seed. ...the Lord is good to me.”

One Month to Live

2010-02-01T07:06:00.001-08:00

The One Month to Live Church-wide Challenge has begun. This 30 Days to a No Regrets Life is stirring the soul of the church.

More than 90 parishioners are asking every day, "What would I do if I knew I only had 30 days to live?" Most of them have joined one of the 19 challenge groups. The groups, with as few as 2 and as many as 9, are meeting to encourage deeper personal reflection on the 4 main topics.
- Live Passionately
- Love Completely
- Learn Humbly
- Leave Boldly

We are also focusing on each of these themes in Sunday worship, with powerful preaching, touching video clips, and inspirational music selections. The entire series runs through Feb 28th.

There is still some One Month to Live books available at the Humeston church, 2 on audio CDs. The books offer daily readings, 1 per day for 30 days.

Take the challenge. Come to worship. Get a book. Read with a Friend. Join a Challenge Group. Re-discover your Life.

Sudanese Became the Boilers for the Cottage Grove Avenue Church

2010-01-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

The Presbyterians have a church, Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, in Des Moines, that ministers to the immigrant Sudanese as well as to the needs of the inner city poor. In November their boiler conked out. Not having anything near the $80,000 needed to replace it they were fearful for the people whom they serve in Jesus’ name.

The Des Moines Sudanese community held a special overnight prayer and worship service on November 14, 2009, that lasted until 6 a.m. to help! It was a cold night in a cold church. Here is their report.

Two individuals stood very firm ‘til the daybreak on the November 15. A 5-year-old drummer was the hero of the night, along with a 75-year-old man who did not feel cold enough to go home. They heated up the night.

The large group of 200 people, prayed to God to keep the U.S. as they found it and forgive them if God is judging the U.S. because they came here. Why is it that everywhere they go God seems to punish them? Even with the economic hardships that many people are facing but affect them more than any one as they think.

The prayer would be like this
“Almighty God, forgive our
sins and those of our ancestors, if
that is why you are punishing the blessed
America. Please do not hurt these
innocent people because of our
sins. You are a God of forgiveness
and do not be so sad because we
have come here to worship you
without persecution. That was the
reason why we came and you
brought us and the American People
kindly accepted us. Do you want to
punish them because of us now
God? Please listen to our prayer.
Amen.”

During the overnight they also prayed for peace in the world, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan. They fear war will start again in Sudan during the upcoming election and also in the time of referendum scheduled in 2011. It was wonderful night. God bless you

– Rev. Goanar Chol is the Sudanese Ministries Resource Person. pbysudanese@presbyteryofdesmoines.org

# 88 - Star-gazing Prayer

2010-01-04T06:38:00.001-08:00

Are you feeling small and seemingly insignificant in this vast universe? Pray like the Magi – galactic and expectant. Look out across the galaxies in wonder. And wait. God will show you how special, powerful, and specific his love can be. The Magi were given a star to guide them. On a dark night, turn the eyes of your heart heavenward and share with God your biggest challenges. In that context, God will guide you, too. God will grant you the peace that he is big enough to care for you! You are not insignificant but truly beloved of God.
Adapted from Beliefnet.com, 21 Ways to Pray.

Poor Child - Prayer Child

2009-12-29T06:29:00.001-08:00

I watched a real time story on television where a local organization sponsored a Christmas shopping spree for underprivileged children at Wal-Mart. Each child was given an adult mentor and $100 with which to buy gifts for family and friends. The mentors were to guide the children in their selections.

The mentors were also told to see that each child bought something nice for herself/himself.

The children were smart shoppers. Their gift choices were wonderfully appropriate and dollar wise. I saw it on TV, the kids running up and down the aisles, excited, laughing, having fun. They chattered happily as they considered, compared, then chose their gifts. They had fun.....

.....until.....

.....it came time to buy something for themselves. Suddenly the children’s enthusiasm vanished. The mentors were put to the test. They urged the children to get themselves a gift, something they wanted or needed, something nice.

The children were hesitant, reluctant to spend on themselves. But finally, with their mentors’ encouragement, each child did select a personal gift. And having put that challenge behind them the childrens’ thoughts turned to once again to gift giving. Their joy returned. They were more than happy. They were satisfied. How wonderfully curious that even the poorest child finds greater joy in giving to others than in providing for self

There is a prayer parable here for those feeling small, inadequate, unworthy.

In it we are the children. Happy and eager to pray for others. Hesitant to pray for ourselves. But blessed when we do.

Prayer child, take the mentor’s advice to heart. Do something nice for yourself. Draw near to Jesus. And you will be blessed this Christmas.

# 87 - Ephesians 3 Prayer

2009-12-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

Here’s a way to pray for individuals when you don't really know the details of what's going on in their lives. It works for anyone. Use this Biblical language of Ephesians 3, or similar words of your own.
Hear my prayer for __(insert name)__, O Lord.
I pray that you may grant, in accordance with the riches of your glory, that he/she may be strengthened in his/her inner being with power through your Spirit.
I pray that you will dwell in his/her heart by faith, as he/she is established and grounded in your love.
I pray that he/she may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, the breadth and length and height and depth of your love: to know this love that surpasses knowledge.
I pray that he/she may be filled with all your fullness, O God.
By the power at work within us you are able to accomplish abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine. To you be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations, forever, and ever. Amen.

Christmas in the Trenches

2009-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Sojourners first published this Christmas reflection by editor Jim Wallis in 2002. With the ongoing conflicts raging during each passing year, it remains tragically relevant, particularly this year as we think about Afghanistan.

Silent Night , by Stanley Weintraub, is the story of Christmas Eve, 1914, on the World War I battlefield in Flanders, Belgium. As the German, British, and French troops facing each other were settling in for the night, a young German soldier began to sing “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht.” Others joined in. When they had finished, the British and French responded with other Christmas carols.

Eventually, the men from both sides left their trenches and met in the middle. They shook hands, exchanged gifts, and shared pictures of their families. Informal soccer games began in what had been “no-man’s-land.” And a joint service was held to bury the dead of both sides.
The generals, of course, were not pleased with these events. Men who have come to know each other’s names and seen each other’s families are much less likely to want to kill each other. War seems to require a nameless, faceless enemy.

So, following that magical night the men on both sides spent a few days simply firing aimlessly into the sky. Then the war was back in earnest and continued for three more bloody years. Yet the story of that Christmas Eve lingered – a night when the angels really did sing of peace on earth.

Jim Wallis concludes, "My prayer for the new year is for a nation and world where people can come out of their trenches and together sing their hopes for peace."

Folksinger John McCutcheon wrote a song about that night in Belgium, titled “Christmas in the Trenches,” from the viewpoint of a young British solder. Here are several poignant verses:

The next they sang was “Stille Nacht,” “Tis ‘Silent Night’,” says I. - And in two
tongues one song filled up that sky - “There’s someone coming towards us!” the
front line sentry cried - All sights were fixed on one lone figure coming from
their side - His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright - As
he bravely strode unarmed into the night.
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man’s land - With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand - We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well - And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave ‘em hell. - We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home - These sons and fathers far away from families of their own - Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin - This curious and unlikely band of men.
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more - With sad
farewells we each began to settle back to war - But the question haunted every
heart that lived that wondrous night - “Whose family have I fixed within my
sights?” - ‘Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung - The
frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung - For the walls
they’d kept between us to exact the work of war - Had been crumbled and were gone for evermore.

# 86 - A Christmas Prayer

2009-12-21T06:54:00.001-08:00

I’m thinking of the prayer a baby would pray. Hold me please. Feed me please. Take care of me please. Sing to me please, and sweetly whisper gentle words in my ear. Love me please, with all your heart. Perhaps the new born Jesus offered just such a prayer as he first looked into the soft, warm eyes of his virgin mother, and first felt the good strong hands of his earthly father. Perhaps it is the prayer he still offers every time he is again a newborn, born anew in every human heart. It’s Christmas. Can you hear him praying? asking of you to be cherished and adored, loved and cared for? “O Holy Child of Bethlehem, be born in us today.”

Receiving Christmas

2009-12-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

Q. What is Christmas?
A. Christmas is a gift, God’s gift to the world.

So many people think of Christmas as a time for giving. But they are wrong. Christmas is a time for receiving.

Two Bible verses dealing with the birth of Christ come to mind. The first is that "when the time had fully come, God sent his son, born of woman ... so that we might receive adoption as God's children" (Galatians 4:4-5).

The second verse is that “he came to his own but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, … he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:11-12)

When babies are brought home from the delivery room, it is the custom even today to wrap them in receiving blankets. There is a difference between bringing a child into the world, and receiving a new born into your family. The act of receiving in an intentional, purposeful act, an act that changes the receiver. Being given something and receiving it are quite different things.

The act of receiving creates community, builds relationships, and shapes one’s character. I’m a city kid and not much of an outdoorsman. But imagine that I buy an acreage on which there is some timber. Imagine also that my son decides I need a chain saw and buys me one as a gift.

Well, there are two responses I can make.
1. I can accept the gift I’m given with thanks, stick it in my shed, thinking that I might need it someday. Perhaps I might even get him a gift in return, maybe the gas grill he’s been wanting. (Being given the gift)
2. Or I can receive the gift with appreciation, seeing in it my son’s invitation for me to adjust my priorities and spend some quality time outdoors. Perhaps I might even give him a gift in return, maybe invite him to spend time with me working the timber together. (Receiving the gift)

Most of us are better skilled at giving than at receiving. This Christmas I invite you to spend more time practicing your receiving skills. Make an effort to receive every card and gift given you. And make an effort to receive God’s precious infant gift, wrapping him in the receiving blanket of your heart. The change it will make in you will be so marvelous; it will make the angels sing.

The Meaning of Christmas

2009-12-14T07:57:00.001-08:00

My first call as pastor was to a rural church in a small Pennsylvania town. I remember the Banter family, so handsome, tall and gangly – mom, dad, and both boys. Religious, and so talented they were. David was the older boy, college age and working also. He had a girl friend, Elsa. She was beautiful, tall and, like the Banters, had a heart for God.

Soon after David and Elsa got engaged, Elsa got sick. It was cancer and back then, in the 1960’s, there wasn’t much hope. Elsa improved for a while, then got really bad. She spent days of weakness and sickness in her hospital bed with David by her side. And then finally the news … not long to live.

“Pastor, will you marry us?” they asked. “Will you marry us right here in the hospital?”

“Yes, of course,” I said. “I’d be so honored.”

So with all haste plans were made. The wedding dress, now several sizes too large, was re-made. Flowers, artificial of course, and a wedding cake were purchased. The service was planned. And the lounge down the hall from Elsa’s hospital room was delicately decorated. Elsa’s whole life, every ounce of her remaining energy, was joyously surrendered to the glorious purpose of becoming Mrs. David Banter.

Oh, it was a beautiful wedding. Never have I attended a wedding so holy, so complete, so perfect. The newly weds, Mr. and Mrs. David Banter, exchanged their vows, and kissed, sharing, so long ago, the most bittersweet moment I have ever witnessed.

The wedding was over. Greetings all around and Elsa, so exhausted, was ready for her bed, the sick bed, of course, not their wedding bed. As she and David were leaving the makeshift chapel, they called me over.

“Pastor, will you preach my funeral when I die,” Elsa asked in the weakest of whispers. “We very much want you to do that for us?”

“Yes, of course,” I said. “I’d be so honored.” And just three weeks, I did.

- - - - -

David and Elsa had no regrets. They lived their lives passionately, clear to the end, growing through their pain and problems, showing others how love transcends and transforms, and leaving an amazing legacy of faith and grace.

Imagine what your life, your world would be like if this year you were to celebrate a no regrets Christmas, a Christmas as if it were your last. If we all …… Yes, if we all did, there would never be a more beautiful Christmas than this one.

# 85 - Letters To God

2009-12-14T06:46:00.001-08:00

Conscientious Christians grow. Some grow slowly and steadily, some in fits and spurts. Trouble is, not recognizing their gradual spiritual growth many become discouraged. Writing letters to God is a good way to pray, and re-reading them later on is an encouraging way to track the presence of God in your life and your spiritual growth. How re-assuring, during those times when it is hard to pray, to turn to your own written prayers from the past and experience the ministry of your very own words in prayer. How wonderfully affirming it can be to connect with the faith of your spiritual past. Start today writing letters to God. Write often, or just once in a while. Send the prayers off to the Lord in the spirit, but save the pages on which those prayers were written as an encouraging blessing to yourself when the days turn dark.

# 84 - Tranformers Prayer

2009-12-07T09:20:00.001-08:00

Transformer Robot Heroes are among the favorites on the toy shelves these days. Their flexible and well engineered joints allow children, by twisting and turning their parts, to transform or reshape them, from looking like a standing robot to looking like a car, a helmet, or a fighting vehicle. We are such toys in God’s hands. If we allow God to transform us, God will reshape us, configuring our hearts, minds and lives to serve the purpose God has in mind for us at the moment. The Transformers Prayer is simple, but not easy. It has been offered in many forms over the centuries. Here is one of my favorites.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.

10 Tenors Salute our Military Heroes

2009-12-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

My patriotism soars whenever I watch this powerful music video by the 10 Tenors. Some say it makes them cry. Others just want to stand and salute. The song is Here's to the Heroes: A Military Tribute. And it is such an outstanding and honorable salute to all the members of our United States armed services, past and present.

A Soul Food Christmas

2009-11-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Having a wonderful time. Hope you are too.

What? Not ready for Christmas yet? Wanting it to come. Waiting for its blessings. And oh so much to do before it does come. Yeh, I know. Me too.

Busy making ready. Bordering on panic. Doing again this year what I promised myself I would never do again. I’m forgetting the Christmas Spirit and getting caught up in Christmas preparations.

Doug Rumford, a pastor friend of mine, lays out a marvelous 4-step plan for renewing spiritual vitality. He introduces the topic of spiritual health with a discussion of the uncomfortable symptoms of soul neglect. Here are three symptoms I relate to.
low-grade or holiday depression
the resurgence of unhealthy habits
a diminished resistance to impulse and temptation
When I recognize these appearing in my life I know that it’s time to work on refreshing my soul.

Hmmm. Soul neglect! Running on spiritual fumes! Well, I’ll be. And here I thought that the cold weather and the fewer hours of daylight caused my pre-Christmas emptiness and irritability. Or is it the memories of Christmases past? Or the frustration of too little time, money and energy?

Reading my friend Doug’s spiritual vitality plan, I’m thinking I can have a better, happier, and more spiritual holiday season this year. Here’s my plan.

First, connect with God’s Presence. Read the Christmas story and focus on the birth of Jesus, God with us.
Second, connect to God’s Perspective. Read the Christmas story again and focus on the heavenly glory and eternal plan of God there revealed.
Third, connect with God’s Power. Read the Christmas story yet again and focus on the awesome power of God to overcome despair and doubt, and even Herod’s death squad.
Fourth, connect to God’s Purpose. Read the Christmas story one more time and focus on God’s saving love, on justice and mercy, peace on earth, and good will to all.

The Christmas story is excellent food for the soul. It brings spiritual vitality, and drives away the symptoms of soul neglect. Now, soul food is not fast food. For it to be truly nutritional, the Christmas story must enjoyed slowly and long savored.

May God fill your Christmas preparations with Christmas Spirit through your thoughtful reading of the Christmas story. The real Christmas story is told in the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.

# 83 - 'God With Us' Prayer

2009-11-30T06:40:00.001-08:00

The first movement in prayer is to center on the presence of God. As you begin your prayer, deliberately put yourself into the presence of God. This is a decision you make, regardless of how you are feeling. Close your eyes, change your posture, light a candle, or whatever. Focus. Open yourself to God who is always with us. Pray something like this:
Here I am, Lord Jesus. I am here to meet you. I acknowledge your presence. I am going to spend this time with you. Help me to realize that I am in your presence and that you are with me, even though I may not feel your presence. Remind me that you are Emmanuel, which means ‘God With Us.’
-- taken from the Upper Room brochure ‘Pray Where You Are”

# 82 - Great Things Prayer

2009-11-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Great Things Prayer is a courageous prayer. The idea comes from William Carey (1761-1834), a shoe cobbler in England before his conversion, and the first great missionary to India. His motto was “Believe great things about God; expect great things from God; and attempt great things for God.”
The Great Things Prayer is a prayer that eventually is a prayer shared by many. Great things begin with one person’s vision, one person’s prayer, one person taking a first step in faith. But, truly great things are well beyond the accomplishment of one person alone. Great things for God are accomplished in communion with others.
The Great Things Prayer is a prayer of surrender. For great things to happen God must be in charge and the one offering the prayer must yield the vision and submit to the humble role of being obedient servant to the King of Kings.
So here is the Great Things Prayer. 1. Believe – catch a vision of God’s purpose. 2. Expect – share it, let it grow and take shape in a community of faith. 3. Attempt – surrender you life’s plan and yield your life in service to the Great Thing God has placed on your heart

# 81 - Pray in Tongues

2009-11-16T06:21:00.001-08:00

In chapters 2, 10 and 19 of Acts and chapters 12-14 of 1 Corinthians, the Bible discusses ‘speaking in tongues’. When my 73-year old cousin-in-law, and occasional missionary to India, learned how we are exploring 100 Ways to Pray she wrote me, “Have you listed any ways to pray that use the charismatic gifts? I know that it may be controversial to mention these, but really it is just another way to pray.” So, today, I’m mentioning praying in tongues. The charismatic gifts, tongues included, are gifts of passion, soul-passion. Praying in tongues is soul-prayer, prayer with the deepest concern about something or for someone whose need you feel but for which the words you find, if any, are woefully inadequate to the greatness of the concern. Praying in tongues is giving utterance to urgent, unspecific, yet prayerful yearnings within. Often this form of prayer is private, although there are places where in spiritual fellowship it is commonplace. If spoken or sung, praying in tongues may sound like a beautiful mantra, a scream, or just plain gibberish. No matter. God understands, and our prayers are only for God anyway. If written, a tongues prayer may look like scribble or even an alien language. No matter. God understands. God hears and answers. Just pray.

# 80 - Last Words Prayer

2009-11-09T06:28:00.001-08:00

The Last Words prayer looks at Luke’s version of the “last words” Jesus spoke from the cross. It takes those three lines and turns them into a personal prayer. The three brief lines may be repeated over and over as many times and as often as you would like. Each time you offer the prayer, offer it quietly, taking deep breaths and speaking slowly. You might also try praying with your feet comfortably flat on the floor and your hands on your knees with your palms upraised to let the Spirit of the Lord flow through your body and into your soul. Visualize the crucifix and pray.
Father, forgive me.
Jesus, be with me.
Into your hands I commend my spirit.
Repeat many times.

# 79 - The Always Prayer

2009-11-02T06:19:00.001-08:00

An important word to remember in prayer is the word “always.” “Always” means eternal. God has always existed and always will. God is glorified when we acknowledge God’s eternal qualities. So begin each prayer petition with an “always” statement. Here’s an example. Start with, “God you are always present, even when we feel abandoned…” Then mention your prayer concern, “My friend has isolated himself from everyone right now, but you are there. Break through his shell. Let him feel your touch.” We can apply the word “always” to every one of the characteristics of God. Here are a few of those characteristics. God is always powerful, always knowing, always fair, always holy, always truthful, always patient. Can you think of other parts of God’s “always” character that are not on this list? Make your own list. But most of all, call on the colorful characteristics of God to help you shape your prayers as you talk to God each day. “Always” prayers are powerful prayers.

The Abundant Life: Where Has It Gone?

2009-11-02T06:17:00.001-08:00

In the last several weeks I’ve encountered several people, some here in the community, whose lives are miserable. Much of their misery is caused by well-intentioned people in their lives who seem to think they know better “what’s good for them.”

A long time ago I learned that there are only three roles to choose from when in a relationship. One can assume the role of a child. One can assume the role of a parent. Or, one can assume the role of an adult.

Healthy relationships are adult-adult relationships.

Sadly, I am discovering that a ton of people prefer the parent role. Apparently it is easier and simpler for the many “bullies” out there to “parent” the whole world, imposing their notions on everyone. They would rather not listen to, reason with, or accept as true and valid anyone else’s idea, understanding, or preference.

I guess the parent role works pretty well for the “ones who think they know best.” But their bullying is misery for everyone else around, especially their family.

I have never met a grown up who appreciates the indignity of being treated as a child. I have never met a bully who is, even in the least little bit, ever satisfied.

Jesus came to break that chain of violence and oppression. At the beginning of his ministry, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, he says,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives … to set at liberty those who are oppressed …

I truly believe that if God could hate, he would hate bullies the most. Why? Because the misery bullies inflict sucks the ever-lasting life out of the souls of God’s beloved ones. Whereas Jesus, speaking of himself as the good shepherd, says,

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

God gives life. The Gospel of John tells us that. Ezekiel 34 explains that God stands over against oppressors and bullies. Be assured of that.

May the oppressed reach out to Jesus, and receive him.
May those who live in misery find freedom to stand in the power of Jesus, and live.

# 78 - Hitchin' Post Prayer

2009-10-26T06:36:00.001-07:00

Dr. Floyd C. Enfinger shares this prayer lesson which his Papa taught him. Back when, before automobiles, you tied your horse to a hitchin’ post when you went to town.
Picking a sturdy one was important. “In our prayer and devotional life, Papa stressed the importance of tying our lives to something eternal.” (p. 25, My Papa Told Me …) Quite often during our evening devotion he would invite the whole family to go out onto the porch, gaze far into the Milky Way, watch the evening star, stare at the moon. After gazing at the Heavens, he would say, “Now that we have seen something bigger than ourselves, let us go inside and pray, and then go to bed.” The Hitchin’ Post prayer is a confident prayer rooted in the vast, eternal majesty of God. Look to the heavens at bedtime. Thanks to Dwight Joy for loaning me the book.

# 77 - Anniversary Prayer

2009-10-05T06:09:00.001-07:00

Would it surprise you to learn that an Anniversary Prayer is a 2-part prayer? An Anniversary Prayer is more than a simple prayer of remembrance. Just as an anniversary is a ‘from-to’ moment marking a significant moment of change in a person’s life, so, likewise, the Anniversary Prayer acknowledges the reality of the ‘before’ and the ‘after.’

The Anniversary Prayer affirms that God is a God of history, journeying through time, leading and redeeming those who would follow. So, when praying an anniversary prayer, first mention the moment of change the anniversary commemorates, that significant God Moment. And second, end with mention of the promise that change yet affords.

October 4th Bicentennial Communion

2009-09-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Our Humeston congregation is rich in denominational heritage, having deep roots and local history in two denominations, the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and the United Methodist Church. We are richly blessed, having been able to come together to form one united congregation. Our very existence is a rich witness to the possibility of Christian unity.

On World Communion Sunday 2009 we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.

It was September 7, 1809 when Thomas Campbell presented to a small group of unity-minded pastors a document defining the basis on which Christian unity might be achieved.

This document, The Declaration and Address of the Christian Association, proposed the radical notion that all church members, whatever their denomination, should be able to commune at the Lord’s Table in each other’s place of worship.
At its heart is Proposition 1: “That the Church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one..." Ending division among Christians was the reform Thomas Campbell, together with his son Alexander and his later friend Barton Stone, so passionately sought.

In his fiery eloquence Thomas Campbell wrote, “The cause we advocate is … the cause of Christ and our brethren of all denominations. Are we not all praying for that happy event, when there shall be but one fold, as there is but one chief Shepherd? What! Shall we pray for such a thing, and not strive to obtain it!”

The Stone-Campbell Movement of 200 years ago put forth a vision of Christ’s disciples, serving different callings but meeting at one Communion Table, and there enjoying together on earth a foretaste of the Great Heavenly Banquet prepared for all believers by Christ himself.

Come to the Table, Disciples Together, this Sunday, October 4th.

Help us celebrate how extraordinary our ordinary weekly gatherings for worship are.
Join us as we lift high Christ’s great vision for the church (John 17) “that they all be one.”

# 76 - "Ought" Prayer

2009-09-28T06:13:00.001-07:00

There are 2 kinds of “ought” prayers. First, “ought” is a curious word to use in the context of prayer, because “ought” generally carries the connotation of reprimand or judgment. You “ought” to pray can be taken to mean, “Don’t be negligent in your duty to pray.” Q. How can you pray when you feel or are challenged to pray for someone or about something you have little-, no-, or even dis-interest in? Ans. Admit to God where your heart truly is, and ask God’s help to cover your human limitations. Second, Jesus used the word “ought” in a positive, encouraging sense, teaching his disciples who did pray that “they ought always to pray and not lose heart,” inferring that the blessings of God are certain to those who, in faith, will persist. (Luke 18:1) Q. How do you pray a positive “ought” prayer? Ans. Reassure God of the certain commitment of your heart as, “You know my passion for (whatever).” Then ask three things: 1. for God to help you perfect the language of your prayer; 2. that you might recognize the answer already unfolding; and 3. that you might be so transformed as to become the very answer to your prayer.

The Butterfly Circus

2009-09-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Apology: Sorry I haven't been blogging much.
Excuse: I spent the summer becoming comfortable with additional social networking tools. Had fun mastering Facebook and Twitter.

On Twitter I especially enjoy receiving messages every day from people whose thoughts and words inspire me. By my own choice I also receive 30-40 one sentence prayers everyday. What a blessing these twitterers are to me. Glad to share them with you if you ask.

On Facebook the other day one of my preacher friends, Natalie, posted a link to a short (20 min) film called The Butterfly Circus. Why I took the time to watch it I'll never know. But, oh my, was I ever glad I did.

In my book it tops all the amazing inspirational stuff out there. It's about HOPE. It's about COURAGE. It's about being an OVERCOMER. It's about VICTORY, dare I say victory in Jesus.

I see Jesus in the ringmaster of The Butterfly Circus, the Jesus who welcomes every person just as they are and transforms them into the glorious gift they were meant by God to be. The film is about how new life "commeth" and then "runneth over" touching others, lifting and healing.

The hero of the movie, Nick Vujicic, who plays the character Will, has lived an incredible life. His foundation offers help and hope to the physically challenged all over the world.

I hope you will take the time to watch this movie. Watch it together with a child, a partner, a friend. Then, when it is over, look into each other's eyes, relish the glow, and dream -- dream of the person God has meant each of you to be.

# 75 - Prayer Center

2009-09-21T06:03:00.001-07:00

A prayer center is a place where one can experience the holy. You can establish your own prayer center by simply setting aside some small place in your life, and offering it to God as the place where you will meet often. For it to remain a holy place you will have to honor the space by first using it, and second, by using it only for holy purposes, for prayer. Such a place might be a special floor mat placed at the foot of your bed, a candle and evening chair next to a west-facing window, the passenger seat of your car in the parking lot, the stone at the end of the garden walk, a corner in the office lounge, a special towel you place on a bench in the locker room, a spot on a lamp post you touch while awaiting the bus, or just standing tip-toed at the window in your prison cell. We create holy places. God honors them. They are of our own making, but surprisingly, in times of need, they re-create and sustain us. Where is your prayer center?

# 74 - Tuning Prayer

2009-09-14T08:25:00.001-07:00

Just before the orchestra begins to play, the concert master rises, raises his violin, and draws his bow across the strings. Each member of the orchestra then tunes his or her instrument to the exact pitch of the concert master’s violin. Only then can the orchestra produce the most beautiful music possible. The well-rehearsed members of the orchestra know the music perfectly. Their instruments are of brilliant quality. But still they must tune together. And they must tune together every time if they hope to accomplish the will and purpose of both maestro and composer. Soloists do the same, tuning to the perfect pitch of pipe or tuning fork. We are the instruments of God, and as such, must constantly be tuned to God’s perfect pitch. We can only bring high praise and glory to God when we are attuned to God and in tune with all who would serve God. Tune your hearts to God by first listening and then adjusting the instrument of your life to the Master’s. This act of listening and adjusting is called prayer, the Tuning Prayer.

# 73 - Dedication Prayer

2009-09-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

The purpose of the Dedication Prayer is to glorify God. From ancient times God’s people have dedicated to God’s glory their holy places – temples, churches and holy sites. The word ‘dedicated’ here means ‘holy’ or ‘set apart for.’ Since the Resurrection of Jesus the Christian church has dedicate the first day of the week to his glory. In some traditions Christian parents dedicate their children to the Lord. Others incorporate this into the Sacrament of Infant Baptism. That portion of one’s income dedicated to the Lord is called a tithe. Some Christians dedicate a portion of their day to prayer and fasting, or disciple-making, or visitation, or burden-bearing. And new believers, knowing that God is glorified when they give their lives to Jesus, are bold to dedicate themselves to him. Ask, “What all have I dedicated to God, set apart for God’s glory? How am I doing at keeping it pure and holy?” So many wonderful ministries for children, for the ill, and others around the world began with one grateful person dedicating all or part of his/her life to continue to others the blessings that had come to them. Use the Dedication Prayer whenever you are ready to seal or renew a commitment to glorify God.

John L. Lewis Legacy - A Prayer for Labor Day

2009-09-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

In 1969 political, racial and economic division shook our nation. A war was raging.

On July 11th of that year, John L. Lewis, the fierce, controversial and often divisive labor leader died, iconic titan that he was.

The prayer delivered at Mr. Lewis's memorial service placed in larger and broader, dare we say heavenly, context his passionate, combative and life-long struggle for justice for the American worker.

That was 40 years ago. Except for its archaic language the prayer delivered that day might be well prayed today.

Eternal God, the source of our life and the father of mankind, we praise thee for the courage
• of those who lead when the way is difficult;
• of those who perceive clarity when the horizon is clouded; and
• of those whose commitment to the cause of justice is greater than the fears that cripple lesser men.
Raise among us men of the future with the power of leadership we have seen in the past in thy servant John Llewellyn Lewis.

Grant that the necessary conflicts of democratic disagreement may not impair the greater unity we share.
Help us to hold fast to our principles when we believe them to be right, and yet to listen with humility and respect to those of another side.

Thou has blest our land with abundance and power.
Grant that our industry and labor, our wealth and our enterprise, may always be placed at the service of justice and peace for mankind, so that thy kingdom may surely come on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

This Memorial Prayer for John L. Lewis was delivered by the Reverend John C. Harper, Rector of St. John’s Church, Springfield IL a few days after Mr. Lewis’s death June 11, 1969. Copy of this prayer was donated to the John L. Lewis Mining and Labor Museum by Dr. Ron Roberts. The museum is in Lucas IA.

# 72 - Acceptance Prayer

2009-09-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

This grand prayer is prayer by which the petitioner seeks grace sufficient to accept and welcome others. It asks not only an increase in one’s appreciation for the other, but also the diminishment of oneself and one’s judgments in relation to the other. It is more easily prayed by the youthfully innocent or the spiritually mature than the casual Christian. It is a useful prayer to help one grow in the ability to embrace “outsiders,” to welcome them into the family, the community, the church. It is truly powerful when sincerely employed by those experiencing conflict as it leads to the blessed rewards of obedience to God’s order. Recall Jesus’ injunction, “But I say unto you, love your enemies.” If only the people of God could find it in their hearts to pray daily to be more accepting.

# 71 - Lectio Divina

2009-08-24T09:07:00.001-07:00

Lectio Divina is the classical monastic practice of the prayerful reading of the Bible, not with the intention of gaining information but of using Scripture as a pathway to the living God. This type of prayer is challenging and presumes you have a huge desire for God. Typically Lection Divina is practiced every day for an hour at a time. Imagine it as a spiritual mealtime, a feasting on the Word of God, in 4 courses: taking a bite, then chewing on the Word, then savoring its essence, and finally digesting the Word. My friend says, “We read a passage of scripture several times. We listen for a word or phrase that stands out, we listen for an image or feeling or memory that arises, and we listen for an invitation from God.”

# 70 P.S. Prayer

2009-08-20T06:33:00.001-07:00

We are looking at post script prayers today. Have you ever come to the end of a prayer, said “Amen,” and only then remember something you had planned to pray about? Is it ok to just go ahead and add that thought, or do you have to start over with a “proper” beginning to an altogether new prayer? Friends, just pray. Don’t worry about beginnings and endings. Any prayer, every prayer is appropriate so long as you remember that you are not all-knowing and that God is. Actually, in my experience, my p.s. prayers (or tack-on, or after thought) prayers generally prove to be way more honest and sincere than my “real” prayers. My p.s. prayers just seem to pop into my consciousness, more raw and real than my more thoughtful prayers. P.S. prayers are fine. Cultivate the practice.

# 69 - Heroes Prayer

2009-08-12T08:53:00.001-07:00

Name a hero of faith. Read about or meditate upon the character of this saint. Invite God to speak to you out of this person’s life, reputation and witness. Perhaps you would select a Biblical hero. You might choose a great hero or saint from church history. Or, perhaps there are people of spiritual stature in your own experience. Is God using what faith you see in your hero to guide you in your own journey? What would be your prayer if you prayed like Peter, Paul or Mary Magdalene; like Ruth, Daniel or King David; like Martin Luther, Sister Teresa or Michael W. Smith? Choose a different hero every day and grow in grace.

# 68 - Google Prayer

2009-08-04T07:42:00.001-07:00

Stuck at your computer? Busy at work or addicted to games? Connecting with friends? Take a break. Go to your home page. Enter the word “prayers” in the search bar. Wow! So much information, so many prayer choices instantly at your fingertips. Dealing with debt, new love, illness, unemployment, amazing grace? Thinking about global peace, world hunger, the international expansion of the church? Thankful, troubled about the state of your soul? Google and Yahoo have it all. A mere click or two and “wal-lah” you’ve leaped from your present space to touch eternity. Ahh, a prayer, a moment of sanity midst all the craziness. Just chillin’ with Jesus.

A Brother Like That

2009-07-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

At Picnic Church in Chariton Sunday, Linda spoke about Jesus feeding 5000.

"Jesus always meets the needs of his followers," she said, then told the story of a young man whose brother gave him a very expensive car.

One day the young man was out polishing his car when a boy came by and asked the young man where he got such a nice car. The young man answered, “My brother gave it to me.”

As the boy began to reply, “Oh I wish …” the young man thought to himself, “Oh no. Here we go again. I’ve heard it so many times. ‘I wish I HAD a brother like that.’”

But to the young man’s surprise the neighbor boy said, “Oh I wish I COULD BE a brother like that.”

The neighbor boy wanted to be like the "generous" brother, not like the "lucky" one. He dreamed of giving lavishly.

Compare that attitude to the many other admirers of the car. They dreamed of living lavishly.

Even when our hearts are generous, we live in a world that for the most part is not genereous. So always we debate with ourselves: lavish giving or lavish living.

# 67 - OTC Prayer

2009-07-15T07:39:00.001-07:00

Everyone prays for healing, maybe not about headaches and colds, but certainly about more serious illnesses. Trouble is: because we haven’t practiced on little prayers we are inept when it comes to the big ones. Colds, headaches, and other ordinary ailments generally respond to Over-the-Counter remedies. They also respond to OTC prayer, seriously offered and regularly dispensed. Rule of thumb: pray anytime you use any item purchased OTC from the pharmacy and health care sections of your local store. And don’t be casual about it. Your prayer should be as intentional as is God’s 24/7 concern for your well-being – heart and mind, body and soul. Practice, practice, practice and when the big one comes, you will be ready and able.

God Will Do Wonders Among You

2009-07-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Pastor Linda O'Connell (Lucas & Chariton) is using the Des Moines Presbytery blog to report from the 2009 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, in Louisville July 11-15. The theme for the Gathering is "God Will Do Wonders Among You."

As Moderator of the Presbytery Women, Linda is a member of the national coordinating cabinet and therefore a voting delegate in Louisville. She will be reporting on some of the business actions. No doubt her reports will reflect her rich experience, as she has attended 8-10 triennial gatherings over the last many years.

Her roommate, Nancy Lister-Settle from Dallas Center, who is the Presbytery's Hunger Action Enabler, is also reporting. You will enjoy her impressions of the workshops and just the whole experience. Nancy's reports will reflect the fresh eyes and enthusiasm of a first-time commissioner.

Good balance makes good reading. Hope you enjoy.
Click here for more great pictures and official news reports from the Gathering.

# 66- National Prayer

2009-07-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

Question: “Pastor, is it ok to love your country above all others?”

Answer: The Scottish-born Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall, distinguished pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. from 1937 to 1949, and U.S. Senate Chaplain 1947-1949, would loudly shout “Yes!” Here is part of his famous

Prayer for America.

To Thy glory was this Republic established…. We would pray that all over this land there may be a return to the faith of those men and women who trusted in God as they faced the perils and dangers of the frontier…. Thou didst bless their efforts. Thou didst bless America. Thou hast made her rich. Wilt Thou also make her good? … Bless this land that we love so much, our Father, and help her to deposit her trust, not in armies and navies, in wealth and material resources, or in achievements of the human mind, but in that righteousness which alone exalteth any nation…. The Prayers of Peter Marshall, by Catherine Marshall, 1949, page 101-2

What's Best

2009-07-03T07:54:00.001-07:00

Student A scores “a perfect 10”, the only student to do so, but only expends a 70% effort in doing it. Student B, on the other hand, gives a “total effort of 100%”, the only one to do so, but only scores a “7”. Which is the best student?

Is Shawn Johnson really the best dancer?

At the Wayne County Fair one jar of applesauce is judged “Best of Show”. How is “best” determined? by whether it is tart enough, chunky enough, the perfect color, or interestingly presented?

I read a report earlier this month of the 10 Best Cities to live in. I wouldn’t want to live in any of them. Who decides what’s best? what’s best overall? and what’s best for me?

Doing My Best Sometimes I have actually done my best. Surprised me too! The goal of doing my best helps, but not always. I’ve learned that a relaxed pace is sometimes healthier, more productive and satisfying.

My best is different on different days, too I concentrate best in the morning. I exercise best in the late afternoon. I am not at my social best on Saturday night with my mind drifting toward Sunday’s coming. What is my best? And what’s best for me?

What’s Best for Me Aside from the obvious (like don’t drink and drive), if I don’t know what’s best for me, how can anyone else? Oh, others have been a great help to me, for sure. When I ask they share what they think is best. Their advice is helpful and worth considering. But it isn’t always the best. Do you know what’s best for me?

What’s Best for Others Do you know what’s best for my family? or anyone else?
Do you know what’s best for the economy? the church? our country? or “those” people?

I served as an inner-city pastor for 4 years. I spent a month in Ghana, West Africa. I was a chaplain in the National Guard, the national park system, and Valley Hope Alcohol Treatment facilities. I’ve been a pastor for 40 years, back east, out west, in Appalachia and in the heartland. I’ve read the Bible.

Two Things I’ve Learned First, as it applies to myself and what’s best for me – it’s up to me, like this little poem from my childhood says.
Good better best,
Never let it rest,
Till your good is better
And your better best.

And second, as it applies to what’s best for others, in whose shoes I’ve not walked.
God knows. And I’m not God.

# 65 - Perseverance Prayer

2009-07-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Perseverance is one of the secrets to answered prayer. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus didn’t suggest that we ask just once and forget about it. He meant for us keep praying about something for as long as necessary. Jesus knew God, and that God answers every prayer. But Jesus also knew us. He knew that if we kept on praying about something, our prayer would gradually change. And as our prayer changed, so would we be changed. Perseverance prayer changes us from being the person who wants what we want to being the person who wants what God wants. When we are transformed into that new person, praying the prayer God has shaped in our hearts through our perseverance, then God answers our prayer. Persevere, my friend, and be made new.

Jesus Gives Us Power

2009-06-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jesus Gives Us Power was the theme of the Power Lab VBS material we used in our Mission Outreach Vacation Bible School in Garden Grove last week.

We experienced God's POWER in many ways.

The Power of SHARING. What an awesome power this is. Last year Trinity Christian Church in Decatur shared their Power Lab material and props with LeRoy Presbyterian Church. This year LeRoy Presbyterian Church shared the same materials with our mission outreach in Garden Grove. When the Decatur church heard of this they shared even more, giving our outreach project enough craft projects for 30 kids for 3 nights. The kids loved them and got the message that not only God, but other Christians love them also.

The Power of COMMUNITY. Wow! the Garden Grove Community Club, the kids and their families, and helpers from nearby churches all came together to create the family of Christ on those 5 nights.

The Power of GIVING. The kids excitement for our mission project grew every night. Their offering was going to build a Shallow Well in Malawi through Marion Medical Mission. Every night the kids brought pockets full of coins, and the Community Club helpers brought also to share with those who had no coins. 9 families, 15 kids. And we gathered $110 toward the $350 needed for a well. The kids were mesmerized by the video clips of a well being built, and drawn in by the "Thank You Jesus" song we played each night from the end of the DVD. It seemed to really touch their soul. On the last night the kids all had an African shirt to wear during the program.

The Power of PRAISE. The kids really got into the songs, especially the old favorite re-done, Power In the Blood.

# 64 - Father's Prayer

2009-06-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Every good father prays. Prays for his children whatever their age. Prays for them in the morning. Prays for them in the evening. Prays in their waking, aloud, that they might learn also to pray. Prays in their sleeping, selflessly, that they might increase in Christ. Every child whose father prays is truly blessed. On this Father’s Day, be a godly father. Pray for your children. Never have? Start today. Kids grown and gone? You’re still their father. Pray, man of God, pray.

# 63 - Reality Prayer

2009-06-18T07:58:00.001-07:00

Are you like me when you pray? Since in prayer I’m talking with God, I kind of clean up my act and pray from the “more ideal” side of me. But God knows me through and through, the Psalmist says, having formed me in my mother’s womb. So the question is, “how can I be really real and honestly down-to-earth in my prayers?” Here’s a suggestion. Everyone keeps records – calendars, check registers, old “to-do” lists, diaries and journals, tax files, travel or usage logs, and, on the internet, “cookies” and “favorites.” Go back to some past month. Select one of the above and pray about each and every entry. Now that’s reality! and a solid basis for genuine prayer. But watch out. Reality prayer has been know to change lives.

For Father's Day

2009-06-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Jason loaned me Tony Dungy's great book, Uncommon. It is a must read.

About the same time I reconnected with my old friend Damion through Facebook. Damion works in pro sports (for the Cavaliers) and recently spent some good time with Tony Dungy at the June 6 All Pro Dad event at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton. See Tony's Hall of Fame June 13 Blog post.

Damion, like Tony Dungy, is an active Christian man and really good Father.

Father's Day is coming. I found a timely message from Tony Dungy. This Video Clip shows Dungy, whose son James committed suicide in Dec '05, reflecting on being James's Father and having Jesus in his life.

# 62 - Poet Prayers

2009-06-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Poets, like Mary Oliver, get right to the heart of a matter.

Praying

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a fewsmall stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

# 61 - Doodle Prayer

2009-06-03T07:18:00.001-07:00

When you need to pray and words don’t come, try the Doodle Prayer. Take a blank paper and colored pens or crayons. Write the name or topic of concern in the middle of the page and doodle around it. As other words come to mind, write them randomly elsewhere on the page and doodle them. Slowly your prayer will find words; your soul will find expression and relief; and you will have a colorful reminder of God’s mysterious way of love.

Owen's Gift

2009-06-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Pastor Dale told a story from his vacation to Branson. It was about Owen, one of the 6 Knudsen brothers who perform in Branson as the group called SIX. The brothers sing. But they do so without any instrumental background, choosing instead to make the many instrumental and percussion sounds themselves, hissing, blowing, popping, whining into the mic.

The key to it working so wonderfully is Owen's talent as a vocal percussionist. Pastor asked us to imagine how many times as a child Owen's "gift" might have been perceived as something other than a talent, an annoyance perhaps and cause for discipline. Probably a lot. But now, his "gift" is the very foundation of SIX.

The lessons, of course, are simple. 1. Everyone has a gift, and 2. we must invite and welcome the gifts others are willing to offer for the good of the whole. St. Paul makes the same argument in writing to the Corinthians (chapter 12, first letter).

# 60 - Icon Prayers

2009-05-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

Pray with eyes wide open. Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons (i.e. pictures or symbols) is an ancient practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open, taking into our heart what the image, symbol, or icon visually communicates. Popular icons used in prayer are the empty cross, the crusifix, a candle, a visual of the sky, a picture (praying hands, Jesus at Gethsemane, etc.) a smooth stone. Find a icon that represents God to you, something that will help your thoughts to rise heavenward. Meditate, and let its image inform your prayer.

Give Free Food. Every Day. From Home.

2009-05-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

There are so many good things anyone can do that cost nothing and only take a second. Here's one.

Give Free Food every day with just two clicks. Click here or just scroll down and click the Give Free Food banner on the side panel, then click the orange tab on The Hungersite page that opens.

Thanks, and God bless you for caring.

# 59 - "Guard Against" Prayer

2009-05-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Prayer is protection, spiritual protection. Wesley cautions, “Guard against the wicked spirits who continually strive to infuse the saints of God with unbelief, pride, idolatry, malice, envy, anger, hatred and the like.” Prayer is the shield against all such spiritual threats. He continues, “That you may still keep your armor on and still stand upon your guard, you must still watch and pray.” And weren’t those the words of Jesus himself (Mark 14:38)? “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.” Remain in prayer to guard against temptation. Return to prayer to escape the tempter’s grip.

# 58 - Harvest of Life Prayer

2009-05-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Light a small candle. Watch the flame. Inhale. Focus on your life in Christ. And pray, “Dear God of the harvest, thank you for the harvest in my life. I now realize that my very life is a harvest for you because you did the planting with care. Please constantly remind me to look at the full basket that I have and help me to be a blessing to others. Amen.”

# 57 - Personal Prayer Calendar

2009-05-12T10:08:00.002-07:00

Jonna, a missionary, mailed me a prayer calendar. On it are things she wants me to pray for. These things are arranged in 4 columns. Column 1 is for the months, Column 2 is for her self, Column 3 is for the programs she and her colleagues work in/with, Column 4 is for the people she serves and thier country. I thought I should make my own prayer calendar, too. For example, in June I would likst that my arm to continue to heal and grandson's brithday (column 2), in column 3 the Iowa Annual Conference, Garden Grove VBS, and John L Lewis Museum. In column 4 I would mention the farmers in their work and cooperative weather, children at the pool/park/library, new businesses in town. What would you list on your summer prayer calendar for June? For July? For August?

Remembering Easter

2009-05-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

I only ever attended one pro-football game that I remember. It was a playoff game in Pittsburgh between the Steelers and the Oakland Raiders. The remarkable thing about the game is how it ended. On the last play of the game Terry Bradshaw threw a desperation pass. The receiver missed it, the ball was batted in the air, and before the ball had time to hit the ground Franko Harris scooped it up and ran it into the end zone, scoring the winning touchdown.

My Dad was there at the game with me, but he didn’t see the play. He was gathering up the blankets we had been bundled in. “What happened? What happened?” he asked when the crowd suddenly went absolutely nuts, “did we win? We won? How? What happened?”

We were both there. I saw it. He didn’t. But we both knew it happened. It was an absolutely unbelievable experience. Over the years we both enjoyed remembering that day, going back over the game, recalling that wonderland feelings. How fortunate we were to have been there, at the beginning of the rise of the Steelers to football dominance.
What an experience!

Friends, I tell this story to make a point, a very serious point, and the point is this. Our experience of that day had nothing to do with the Steelers winning the game. Neither did our experience that day have anything to do with the Steelers rise to football dominance. What Franko Harris, Terry Bradshaw and the Pittsburgh Steelers did, they did on their own. What Dad and I experienced has nothing to do with their accomplishments. What they did is one thing. What we experienced is another.

I tell this story as a parable about Easter. Easter is about that moment in time, that last play of the game, when Jesus miraculously rose from the dead. Game over. Eternity won.

Easter is about Jesus, what he did, and whether we believe he did it. Easter is a fact, a done deal. Easter does not depend on anyone’s experience of it. It happened, thank God, and it changed the world forever.

I saw Franko catch the ball. My Dad did not. But we both know it happened, and in happening it changed the franchise of the Steelers forever. Steelers fans still experience that day with great relish. Raider fans still experience that day, but much differently.

Back to Easter for a moment. When all is said and done, Easter is a fact. Our feelings about it, whether affirming or denying, don’t change a thing. Jesus is Risen. That’s all that matters. Believe it or Not.