It's been a while since this Blog got an update, so here goes...
Since my last post, I had rediscovered that I need extra motivation to study on a fairly regular basis. Combine that rediscovery with the tugging I had been experinecing to lead another class and the answer came in a BFO (Brilliant Flash of the Obvious). In September, with Carol's help, I started a new Disciple I class at Mandarin UMC. In spite of my lack of trust, we have an almost biblically perfect group of 11, including ourselves.
Disciple I is subtitled: "Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study" so it is more than the 34 week bible study it appears on the surface. As the course description states, "DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information, and calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God’s Word, and to be changed by God’s Word". Having lead Disciple classes before, I know that it is the program and the Holy Spirit, that leads that change, I just follow the leader's guide and ask the questions.
As the Leader/facilitator, I am a learner among learners, so I get to read all the same material and work through the same, sometimes difficult, questions with the others. Even though this is the third time I've gone through Disciple I, it is still fresh. Becoming a Disciple is truly a process, not a destination.
More on Disciple can be found at: http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/dynamiccontent.aspx?pageid=204&id=17
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
On Bible Study
I guess the Nike motto is the whole thing for me, "just do it".
Just open it up and read. Look for what it says literally, think about what it meant to the first hearers (it was handed down orally before it was written after all), and then listen for what it means for us today. Better yet, listen for what it means for you today.
For instance, recently there have been some very difficult, sad events around me. Today's devotional from The Upper Room was based on Philippians 4:4-7.
Just open it up and read. Look for what it says literally, think about what it meant to the first hearers (it was handed down orally before it was written after all), and then listen for what it means for us today. Better yet, listen for what it means for you today.
For instance, recently there have been some very difficult, sad events around me. Today's devotional from The Upper Room was based on Philippians 4:4-7.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [TNIV]
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Prevenient Grace
I've understood Prevenient Grace to be that which "goes before" we accept Him into our lives. God's Grace is God's unmerited favor for us. We can never be good enough to ever earn it, even at our very best, we mess up; at our worst: get out of the way. But from the time of our conception He knows us as we are and wants to have a relationship with each of us.
...but how is He able to woo us into that relationship before we acknowledge Him?
One way, and maybe a primary way was dramatically related to us this Sunday by Pastor Debbie. Without retelling her powerful (true) story let me say that it is through others. In her story, she heard an inaudible voice that lead her to one who needed Him. She was able to witness to that person by her presence and opened him up to the relationship with God that God had been wanting for this person's whole life.
So it is through people that God works to woo others to Him. Last week I described why I am a Methodist. I live under God's Grace now, but it was through specific individuals, mostly Methodists in my case, that brought me to Him, but it was His Grace and Love that moved them to action.
...but how is He able to woo us into that relationship before we acknowledge Him?
One way, and maybe a primary way was dramatically related to us this Sunday by Pastor Debbie. Without retelling her powerful (true) story let me say that it is through others. In her story, she heard an inaudible voice that lead her to one who needed Him. She was able to witness to that person by her presence and opened him up to the relationship with God that God had been wanting for this person's whole life.
So it is through people that God works to woo others to Him. Last week I described why I am a Methodist. I live under God's Grace now, but it was through specific individuals, mostly Methodists in my case, that brought me to Him, but it was His Grace and Love that moved them to action.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Why I'm a Methodist
The short answer is: Methodists were always there when I needed a Church or God.
I grew up in a Congregational Church (now a part of the United Church of Christ). When the local congregation started falling apart due to internal issues, I quickly found a neighborhood Methodist Church that I felt comfortable with. Although I fell away from God after high School and through College, it was a Methodist chaplain that married me and my high school sweetheart. I still stayed way from God after that, but when my first daughter was born, it was again a local Methodist Church that baptised her. Still, this was not enough to draw me back to Him. It finally was the trauma of my divorce after over 19 years of marriage that changed my life forever. This time it was Linda who took me to her church one Sunday, a Methodist Church. I have not looked back. My faith was challenged the very first day in an adult Sunday school class: even if it's not there or not strong, act as if you believed.
That Sunday School class was 21 years ago, but I still remember it; I'll probably never forget it. I still worship and serve at that same Methodist Church.
This Sunday, a sermon series on John Wesley began. The three important points from the message helps explain why those many Methodists were there for me when I needed them. These are my versions of those points:
1. Faith is both what you think and feel. I. e., it is in both your Head and Heart.
I have always been more of a rational thinker than a 'feeler'. It took me years before I ever got the Heart thing; it was actually during my Walk to Emmaus when I frist truly experienced God from the inside out. perhaps another time I'll describe that.
2. Methodists organized into Bands, Classes, and Societies. I. e., they are made up of small groups.
It was the Adult Sunday School class that got me started and nurtured me through the early days of coping with a new single life. I've moved on from there, but always in one or more small groups where we encourage and challenge each other to live the life that we are called to be our faith.
3. Not by Faith alone, but by works.
Methodists believe in acts of mercy. We are organized for both ministry and evangelism. This reaching out, both locally and globally is what kept drawing me back to God.
What these beliefs call us to do is:
I grew up in a Congregational Church (now a part of the United Church of Christ). When the local congregation started falling apart due to internal issues, I quickly found a neighborhood Methodist Church that I felt comfortable with. Although I fell away from God after high School and through College, it was a Methodist chaplain that married me and my high school sweetheart. I still stayed way from God after that, but when my first daughter was born, it was again a local Methodist Church that baptised her. Still, this was not enough to draw me back to Him. It finally was the trauma of my divorce after over 19 years of marriage that changed my life forever. This time it was Linda who took me to her church one Sunday, a Methodist Church. I have not looked back. My faith was challenged the very first day in an adult Sunday school class: even if it's not there or not strong, act as if you believed.
That Sunday School class was 21 years ago, but I still remember it; I'll probably never forget it. I still worship and serve at that same Methodist Church.
This Sunday, a sermon series on John Wesley began. The three important points from the message helps explain why those many Methodists were there for me when I needed them. These are my versions of those points:
1. Faith is both what you think and feel. I. e., it is in both your Head and Heart.
I have always been more of a rational thinker than a 'feeler'. It took me years before I ever got the Heart thing; it was actually during my Walk to Emmaus when I frist truly experienced God from the inside out. perhaps another time I'll describe that.
2. Methodists organized into Bands, Classes, and Societies. I. e., they are made up of small groups.
It was the Adult Sunday School class that got me started and nurtured me through the early days of coping with a new single life. I've moved on from there, but always in one or more small groups where we encourage and challenge each other to live the life that we are called to be our faith.
3. Not by Faith alone, but by works.
Methodists believe in acts of mercy. We are organized for both ministry and evangelism. This reaching out, both locally and globally is what kept drawing me back to God.
What these beliefs call us to do is:
Worship weeklyI pray that I can be for others what the Methodists have been for me.
Be in a small group
Give of our Time and Treasures
Monday, December 28, 2009
Reflections on Christmas
Christmas Eve Carol & I were at our church. The first service was the traditional Lessons and Carols including Silent Night by Candlelight. Since I was in the choir and she was a greeter, we stayed and attended the "Collision" contemporary service together. Serving every week is something I feel called to do, but it leaves only special times like this to be able to worship together. Pastor CJ's message took an unusual twist on the story of the three wise men. In the imaginary story, because of teh sins of each of them, the gold was turned to a hammer, the frankensense to a nail, and the myrrh to a spear. The Christ child accepted these gifts and used them to ultimatley save us all from our sins. The purpose of Christmas is not the gifts we give, but the gift we receive from Him.
Christmas day and the day after we visited both of my daughters and their families. It was a lot of driving, but worth every moment spent in the car.
Christmas day and the day after we visited both of my daughters and their families. It was a lot of driving, but worth every moment spent in the car.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
We heard Mary's Song today, from Luke 1:46-55. It is a song showing both sides of God; His love and mercy on one hand and on the other, His power and might.
The message today highlighted two phrases or verses:
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
Remember that in those days, being rich was almost always associated with taking unfair advantage of the poor or working class. For us today, this represents a warning to help and serve others.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
"Fearing" God is not the trembling fear one feels in in face of a mortal danger, for instance. It reminds us to approach Him with Awe and Reverence.
It's almost Christmas as I write this. May the promises kept by the birth, life, and death of the one sent by the Father be made real for you in this time.
Merry Christmas!
The message today highlighted two phrases or verses:
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
Remember that in those days, being rich was almost always associated with taking unfair advantage of the poor or working class. For us today, this represents a warning to help and serve others.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
"Fearing" God is not the trembling fear one feels in in face of a mortal danger, for instance. It reminds us to approach Him with Awe and Reverence.
It's almost Christmas as I write this. May the promises kept by the birth, life, and death of the one sent by the Father be made real for you in this time.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
This week is traditionally associated with Joy or joyous expectation. But this was the weekend of my Church's Christmas Musical, this year titled "There is Peace in the World Tonight".
How can we take this serious when our country is a war in some many ways? We are actively fighting on two fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even more seriously, we are under attack by elements of radicalized Islam in what should be called, from our perspective, a war on terror.
The answer came 2,000 years ago. It was delivered by the angels: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
With apologies and thanks to Randy Vader for my paraphrase of the narration, here is what I believe to be the essence of the message of our Musical:
Peace, today, is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of God in our lives.
The hope of peace came to us in a most miraculous way on that Holy night in the little town of Bethlehem. God did hear the prayers of His people. Through the life and ministry of His Son, He redefined Love and Peace forever. Peace is the presence of God.
In a world ravaged by the evil of war, we must never lose sight of the promise of peace that comes to us from heaven. As the Psalmist said: " The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace."
As St. Francis of Assisi prayed : "Make me an insturment of His peace." May we always remember that peace has a Prince... and He is here, right now, among us.
There is peace in the world tonight.
How can we take this serious when our country is a war in some many ways? We are actively fighting on two fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even more seriously, we are under attack by elements of radicalized Islam in what should be called, from our perspective, a war on terror.
The answer came 2,000 years ago. It was delivered by the angels: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
With apologies and thanks to Randy Vader for my paraphrase of the narration, here is what I believe to be the essence of the message of our Musical:
Peace, today, is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of God in our lives.
The hope of peace came to us in a most miraculous way on that Holy night in the little town of Bethlehem. God did hear the prayers of His people. Through the life and ministry of His Son, He redefined Love and Peace forever. Peace is the presence of God.
In a world ravaged by the evil of war, we must never lose sight of the promise of peace that comes to us from heaven. As the Psalmist said: " The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace."
As St. Francis of Assisi prayed : "Make me an insturment of His peace." May we always remember that peace has a Prince... and He is here, right now, among us.
There is peace in the world tonight.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
The focus this week is on Repentance.
Centuries before the birth of Jesus, Malachai foretold His coming, with these words from The Lord: "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me." But, he also warned: "...He will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap."
In Jesus' time, John the Baptist "went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
At Christmas time it is easy to fall into belief that it is all glitter and lights and times filled with presents. Jesus has for us the present of life eternal, he paid the price for it by his death on the cross, but it comes at a cost for us also. First we must accept and believe in Him as the Son of God. We also must repent of our sins.
How appropriate it was that this Sunday in our church was also a Communion Sunday where we are able to come to Him with our sins and recieve the forgiveness, physically represetnted through His Body and Blood.
Thank you Jesus.
Centuries before the birth of Jesus, Malachai foretold His coming, with these words from The Lord: "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me." But, he also warned: "...He will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap."
In Jesus' time, John the Baptist "went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
At Christmas time it is easy to fall into belief that it is all glitter and lights and times filled with presents. Jesus has for us the present of life eternal, he paid the price for it by his death on the cross, but it comes at a cost for us also. First we must accept and believe in Him as the Son of God. We also must repent of our sins.
How appropriate it was that this Sunday in our church was also a Communion Sunday where we are able to come to Him with our sins and recieve the forgiveness, physically represetnted through His Body and Blood.
Thank you Jesus.
Monday, November 30, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
This Sunday was the First of Four Sundays of Advent. The scriptural focus this week was on the second or Final coming of the Messiah. Christmas season, Advent, is not about anticipation of the birth of the baby Jesus, it is the anticipation of the new Jerusalem on Earth. That is when God's Kingdom is on Earth.
People have been waiting for the reign of the Messiah for thousands of years. Only the Father knows the time it will begin. In these times we wait in anticipation, trying to live our lives to always be ready for that coming.
This does not mean that we don't celebrate His first coming or His birth, we do. But it is the beginning, not the end of what we anticipate.
This waiting is not the same as when we were younger and had trouble waiting for Christmas Morning. I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures, Isaiah 40:31.
People have been waiting for the reign of the Messiah for thousands of years. Only the Father knows the time it will begin. In these times we wait in anticipation, trying to live our lives to always be ready for that coming.
This does not mean that we don't celebrate His first coming or His birth, we do. But it is the beginning, not the end of what we anticipate.
This waiting is not the same as when we were younger and had trouble waiting for Christmas Morning. I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures, Isaiah 40:31.
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. NRSV
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