Category: First Steps

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the concept of unity and how it is achieved and maintained.  To guide my prayers, I’ve reread John 17, which focuses on Jesus’ prayer for unity.  Verses 9-12 are important:    I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.  All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.  I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.     Jesus prays for us to be one.   Eugene Peterson wrote profound ideas about John 17 and the concept of unity.  He says Holy Baptism is the sacrament that preaches the enactment of the Trinity, the ultimate form of unity.  This Trinitarian foundation is basic to all existence.  We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We become our true selves by entering the waters of baptism.  Our particular identity is affirmed and clarified in a personal name and in an intimate relationship with all the ways in which God is God.  We are not autonomous.  We are not ourselves by ourselves.     A sin is an isolating act.  It separates us relationally from God, from God’s creation, and from God’s community.  Reestablishing the complexity of relationships cannot be accomplished by decree.  Personal, relational intimacy cannot be achieved impersonally.  There cannot be forced intimacy because that is often violent and degrading.  God can’t work in ways that are not in tune with Himself.  God is personal and free.  Therefore, whatever takes place in prayer is personal, freely given, and freely received.  Prayer is not a supernatural technique for coercion.  Prayer does not lump sinners and saints into separated piles of anonymities-–one pile assigned to damnation, and one assigned to salvation. In prayer, each person and thing is treated with absolute seriousness while freedom is preserved.  We can’t become one with one another or with God apart from freedom.   In the scripture passage, this is why it takes so long for these people (and us) to become ‘one, as we are one.”  Unity can’t be forced or rushed.  No matter how many are shaped by Jesus’ prayers into this Trinitarian unity, it is always a process. There are no shortcuts or no assembly-line efficiencies permitted.  Automobiles can be made that way, but not saints.  The work of sanctification (and unity) is never a finished product that any single congregation can test drive and, if satisfied, sign up for.  True Unity is not a model to be copied; it is a Trinitarian relationship—Father, Son, Holy Spirit—of reciprocity to be entered.               Trinity is comprehensive and intricate, fusing the One and the Many.  To understand and participate in all the operations of the Trinitarian God requires a lifetime of sacrificial adoration and patient submission to Jesus’ patient prayers that all shall be one.  The church, which provides visibility through the lives of particular men and women in particular places at particular times, is not an idea nor is it ideal.  It is a historical reality existing in time.  It is constantly in formation.  Like a piece of music, it takes time for the church to become what it is.  All the notes must be played by all the instruments assigned to play them before it is what it is.  If we willfully refuse to be part of the orchestra, if we insist on everyone playing the same note over and over, or if we find a single melody or chord of the music that we particularly like and play that, the results are not likely to be anything imagined by the composer or the conductor.  Neither are they likely to be satisfied with the music. Being a church is intricately complex and demanding, but no more difficult than anything else that is worthwhile.  The church is the large, healthy, Trinitarian gathering ground where we let God be the way He wills to be God.  We let Jesus pray us into participation in the dynamic unity revealed between Father, Son, and Spirit that is, precisely, glory.  The church is the primary arena in which we learn that glory does not consist in what we do for God but in what God does for us.  It is the pruning field where we submit ourselves to death and dying–that is, Jesus, dying on the cross and our daily dying. I’ll add, it doesn’t happen by force but by a willingness to live sacrificially.     This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Luke 16 *Tuesday – Luke 17 *Wednesday – Luke 18 *Thursday – Luke 19 *Friday – Luke 20 Prayer Requests: -Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.  -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

The other day I had a young person ask me this question, “Do I think Jesus prays for him?”  A little caught off guard because of the depth of the question, it took me a minute to reset.  My answer was “Sure he does.”  Figuring I needed to firm up my answer, I referred him to Hebrews 7:24-25, “…but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”    In this passage, Jesus continually intercedes for us.  Even as you read this devotional, Jesus intercedes for us.  When we wake up, go about our day, go to sleep, and do it all over the next day…Jesus intercedes.  He is constantly and continually interceding.  If Jesus is interceding for you right now, wouldn’t prayer be part of intercession?  When we intercede for another, we pray.  Same with Jesus—continually interceding, continually praying.   For me, this brings me great comfort.  Often, we live with a one-and-done theology.  Jesus’ sacrificial act on the cross and God’s raising him from the dead—one-and-done.  Justification by God for the person who believes—one-and-done.  Though these are true, there can be an assumption that Jesus’ act of intercession is a one-and-done act.  After those acts are completed, we think Jesus goes on to something else.  Nope!  He continually intercedes.    As you go about your week, do so with the understanding that Jesus is interceding for you.  He interceded yesterday, he is interceding today and will intercede tomorrow.  Allow this hope to guide and direct you.     This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Luke 11 *Tuesday – Luke 12 *Wednesday – Luke 13 *Thursday – Luke 14 *Friday – Luke 15 Prayer Requests: -Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.  -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

I recently read an article about Vincent Dransfield.  What drew me to this article was that Vincent just celebrated his 109th birthday.  He is still very active in his community and drives his car every day.  With my interest piqued, I wondered what was his secret to longevity.   I expected to read that he ate a healthy diet, never smoked, exercised frequently, and did all the things suggested by physicians.  To my surprise, he didn’t focus on his diet, smoked for a long portion of his life, and seldom exercised for much of his life.  In the article, he actually joked about someone who frequently runs.   However, there was something that stood out as his secret—He spent much of his life doing what he loved.  He served in his community which brought him great joy and fulfillment.  In addition, he surrounded himself with friends and family.  Even at 109 he still spends much of his day staying connected with neighbors and family. The Bible has long illustrated the importance of service and fellowship.  For the Christian, they are characteristics of a Gospel-Driven life.  As one has received, he or she gives in ways that not only glorify God but better God’s world.  Likewise, the bond of faith binds people together as one family sharing in the body of Christ.   Who knows how long another will live for the odds are it won’t be 109 years.  However, how we live does determine the days of our lives.  It might not determine the number of days, but it definitely determines the quality of our days.  Therefore, live a life of service and fellowship.  Surround yourself with people you love enjoying the closeness of each other and give yourself in ways that better your world.          This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Luke 6 *Tuesday – Luke 7 *Wednesday – Luke 8 *Thursday – Luke 9 *Friday – Luke 10 Prayer Requests: -Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.  -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

Do you like to work in a garden?  Keep a yard? If you do, try this the next time: Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  1 Corinthians 3:6-9, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” While you work, ask yourself these questions: 1.  Where are you currently planting seeds in ministry? 2.  When is the last time you felt a time of harvest? 3.  How can you provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to water seeds of faith in the lives of the people who attend your church? Pray:  O God, thank you for the opportunity to plant seeds of faith in the hearts and lives of others.  Help me to see the fruit ripe for harvest.  Help me to trust your Holy Spirit.  Send what is needed for growth in the lives of those around me.  Use me, O Lord. I yield myself to you.  Amen.        This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Revelation 1-4 *Tuesday – Revelation 5-9 *Wednesday – Revelation 10-14 *Thursday – Revelation 15-18 *Friday – Revelation 19-22 Prayer Requests: -Our graduating high school seniors. -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.  -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

Either by a window looking outside, on your next walk or run, or the next time you are outside, use that time as an occasion for prayer and reflection:   Hebrews 11:3—By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.   Colossians 1:16—For in him all things were created:  things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.   Genesis 1:1-2—In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.    Revelation 4:11—You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.   Psalm 8:1—Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory in the heavens.    What does each of these scripture passages tell you about God?  What does each one tell you about creation?        This Week’s Readings: *Monday – John 12, John 13, John 14 *Tuesday – John 15, John 16, John 17, John 18 *Wednesday – John 19, John 20, John 21 *Thursday – 1 John 1, 1 John 2, 1 John 3, 1 John 4, 1 John 5 *Friday – 2 John 1-13, 3 John 1-15 Prayer Requests: -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.  -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

Easter Sunday is over. Frankly, I always have mixed emotions on Easter Monday. On one level, there is a collective sigh of relief, because all the events are completed. Energy levels can be replenished and restored. For a pastor, Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas are incredibly busy, so with the passing of those days, there comes that time for renewal. Every pastor enjoys Easter Monday, normally with a slow start to the morning, an extra cup of coffee, a late arrival to the office, or an extra day off.   However, there is a longing for Easter to linger for just a bit longer. With each season of preparation (Lent and Advent), we live differently—like we should live year around. It is for this reason I grieve Easter’s passing. After all, we are Easter people, and our job is to “Easter” the world. We do this with our witness. In both our words and deeds, people are drawn to Christ by what they “witness” in another person.  They are drawn to Christ by what they see in us!   Therefore, this Easter Monday, let the day linger for a bit longer. Continue to live the Lenten life of witness that draws another to the Resurrected Lord.         This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Colossians 1, Colossians 2, Colossians 3, Colossians 4 *Tuesday – 1 Timothy 1, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Timothy 3, *Wednesday – 1 Timothy 4, 1 Timothy 5, 1 Timothy 6 *Thursday – Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3 *Friday – 2 Timothy 1, 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4 Prayer Requests: -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.  -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6