Tonight is the eve of eve of Thanksgiving. I am not sure about anyone else but it seems that as we approach the family holidays the days become more hectic and at times more chaotic. Not only planning for family gatherings but for me it is doing a homily for an ecumenical service tomorrow, planning for my sermon on Sunday which is the first Sunday of Advent, a baptism, and babysitting my three grand daughters. Seems to be a busy time. The weather also has not helped with cloudy misty days.
I am going to talk tomorrow on worry and anxiety from the scripture in Matthew 6:25-34. With all that is going on in the world and in our community with the economic issues, health issues, and war issues, it seems important to think about what it is that we worry so much about. Maybe we need to spend more time thanking God for what we have and sharing that then thinking about all the problems that exist. I know that as I work on the homily, I will be thinking about how much we spend our time and energy worrying about things that often we have no control over. Think about the serenity prayer. We need to address the problems that our society faces and at the same time we need to remember that we are called to lift up ourselves to our Savior. So in this Thanksgiving time spend a few moments not worrying about tomorrow but thanking God for the gift of life, the gift of grace, and the gift of mercy that He has bestowed on you and I.
Have a wondrous Thanksgiving and enjoy the company of those around you.
Eldon
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday afternoon
It has been quite a while since I have taken the time to write anything. As we approach the time of year that we remember Advent and Christmas, I thought that I would spend some time reflecting on this season. Already many people have put up their lights and decorations. Stores have put all their Christmas displays up and pre-black Friday sales are on-going.
It is easy for one to get so caught up in the hectic time that one forgets about spending time reflecting on what this season is all about. I know that I will be preaching this Sunday on Christ the King. This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian year. The year begins with Advent where we await not the birth but the return of Jesus. So often Advent becomes compressed to maybe one or two Sundays and then everyone wants to sing Christmas Carols and put out the manger scene. The second season of the year is Christmas and Epiphany. This is the time that we remember Jesus and spend time with Jesus as he grows in his ministry. Lent and Easter time are another season when we remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us. Pentecost and Kingdom time speak to the church. It all ends with the remembering that all seasons of the year and of our lives is found in Christ. Our submission to Christ makes it possible to enjoy and at times endure the seasons of our lives.
On our marquee at the church, the sign states, "We don't change the message, the message changes us." I believe it is so important in a world seeking constant change often for change sake that we remember that in Christ and in God there is a constant message to us that never changes. How we receive can change but not so much that change becomes the end. It can only be the means to the message that all things are possible and come from the Will of God.
For me, I need to keep myself in the word so that I stay connected in my relationship with God. The more that I do that the more I am able to enjoy the seasons of my life.
It is easy for one to get so caught up in the hectic time that one forgets about spending time reflecting on what this season is all about. I know that I will be preaching this Sunday on Christ the King. This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian year. The year begins with Advent where we await not the birth but the return of Jesus. So often Advent becomes compressed to maybe one or two Sundays and then everyone wants to sing Christmas Carols and put out the manger scene. The second season of the year is Christmas and Epiphany. This is the time that we remember Jesus and spend time with Jesus as he grows in his ministry. Lent and Easter time are another season when we remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us. Pentecost and Kingdom time speak to the church. It all ends with the remembering that all seasons of the year and of our lives is found in Christ. Our submission to Christ makes it possible to enjoy and at times endure the seasons of our lives.
On our marquee at the church, the sign states, "We don't change the message, the message changes us." I believe it is so important in a world seeking constant change often for change sake that we remember that in Christ and in God there is a constant message to us that never changes. How we receive can change but not so much that change becomes the end. It can only be the means to the message that all things are possible and come from the Will of God.
For me, I need to keep myself in the word so that I stay connected in my relationship with God. The more that I do that the more I am able to enjoy the seasons of my life.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday musings
Ever wonder how much control we have over our lives. Ever feel that somehow things are getting away from you and you spend so much time trying to find just the right thing to do or the right program or book to read that will provide all the answers. I was able to have the awesome time last week preparing for two funerals of two wonderful women, one was 102 and the other 90. As I talked to the families about their memories of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother and even great-great grandmother, I got to thinking about all they had witnessed in their lives. The eldest from the turn of the century to the turn of the century. They had survived wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of technology.
The youngest of the two I had the fortune of knowing her. She never let her age, her physical condition ever hinder her in what she was willing to do. She even went para-sailing at the age of 75. She was able to live her life fully. She never seemed to spend time worrying about what she could not do but was always flowing with what she could do.
I know that when I am at the age, if I am so lucky, I want to have the same attitude as she did. I believe that you don't find that in a book, a program, or the latest self-help fad. I believe it comes from a foundation of faith and a willingness to let God be God. I sometimes feel the same about church. As we prepare ourselves for our church conference, I would like to have us remember that no matter what we attempt to do, our first priority should be seeking God's Will.
So let go and let God. Remember the serenity prayer and resolve to change the things you can, accept the things that you cannot change, and have the wisdom to know the difference.
The youngest of the two I had the fortune of knowing her. She never let her age, her physical condition ever hinder her in what she was willing to do. She even went para-sailing at the age of 75. She was able to live her life fully. She never seemed to spend time worrying about what she could not do but was always flowing with what she could do.
I know that when I am at the age, if I am so lucky, I want to have the same attitude as she did. I believe that you don't find that in a book, a program, or the latest self-help fad. I believe it comes from a foundation of faith and a willingness to let God be God. I sometimes feel the same about church. As we prepare ourselves for our church conference, I would like to have us remember that no matter what we attempt to do, our first priority should be seeking God's Will.
So let go and let God. Remember the serenity prayer and resolve to change the things you can, accept the things that you cannot change, and have the wisdom to know the difference.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Priority of Grace
Last Sunday the topic of the sermon was the priority of grace as demonstrated by the parable of the father and two sons. I reflected on the grace as love given that is undeserved, unfailing, and unending. It is a gift that is given without regard of receiving anything back. I talked about previenent grace that God is at work even when we are unaware. When we become aware of God's love, we realize what we have done to separate ourselves from that love and seek reconciliation. God then justifies us through grace. As we are justified, we want to continue to live our lives based on God's Will not ours and that is sanctifying grace.
We see grace in all its manifestations in the parable both with the younger son and the father.
We see grace in all its manifestations in the parable both with the younger son and the father.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Fatigue
Nancy and I just got back from not only taking our grandchildren to school but also had our first session with a personal trainer. Needless to say as I am typing this my arms feel like jello. It has been some time that I have worked out with weights with the intensity that we did today. What was the insight for me was the fact that I could start off with enthusiasm with heavier weights but after the second rep I could barely lift the weights at all. Muscle fatigue had set in and I could feel the exhaustion building in my arms. I had to go to lesser weights to compensate. Being the first time our trainer stated rather than quit go to the lesser weights but finish the reps.
I got thinking about this and how it applies in other areas of our lives. I have been reading John Wesley's journals and marveled at the fact that even when he had doubts about himself especially when people criticized his sermons, his efforts to reach out to those who were marginalized, and his uncompromising positions to not cater to those who wanted to control, he kept up and finished. Even though he may not have completed every thing that he envisioned.
In our lives we often start projects such as bible studies, prayer, worship attendance, etc. with great enthusiasm. But at some point fatigue sets in. What determines what character we are depends on how we respond to that fatigue. Do we give in to it? Do we use it for an excuse as to why we can't change? Do we say we are failures so why try? What character do you and I want to be known by. Maybe we need to lessen our weights but continue to move forward despite the uncomfortableness and fatigue.
I got thinking about this and how it applies in other areas of our lives. I have been reading John Wesley's journals and marveled at the fact that even when he had doubts about himself especially when people criticized his sermons, his efforts to reach out to those who were marginalized, and his uncompromising positions to not cater to those who wanted to control, he kept up and finished. Even though he may not have completed every thing that he envisioned.
In our lives we often start projects such as bible studies, prayer, worship attendance, etc. with great enthusiasm. But at some point fatigue sets in. What determines what character we are depends on how we respond to that fatigue. Do we give in to it? Do we use it for an excuse as to why we can't change? Do we say we are failures so why try? What character do you and I want to be known by. Maybe we need to lessen our weights but continue to move forward despite the uncomfortableness and fatigue.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What pressure are you under?
This came in my inbox and I wanted to share with you.
Serving Strong
A minute for you
because you serve others.
Serving Strong Issue No. 153
Artesian Strength
Artesian Well"Artesian" (pronounced, "arr-TEE-zhun") is an adjective to describe water which spurts out of the earth under natural pressure. Hmmm... two phrases jump out at me when I read this definition: "spurts out" and "natural pressure." Let's look briefly at each.
"Spurts Out"
When the pressure is on, what comes out of you? Are you a jovial dispenser of joyfultude? Or are you a boiling cauldron of barbs? It's true what they say in the computer world, "Garbage In, Garbage Out." When the heat is on, what's inside boils out. What are you feeding your spirit and mind? What is your current book? What is your next book? What do you watch on TV? What do you listen to on the radio?
"Natural Pressure"
Opposite of natural is Un-natural. Un-natural pressure is the pressure that arises out of a false pretense (for example, those with a martyr complex take on others' problems as though they were their own.) We subject ourselves to this pressure. It requires extra energy to maintain - energy we cannot afford to waste. What pressure are you assuming that isn't yours to assume? What attitudes or self-talk are you operating under to make you act this way?
BE ARTESIAN
* Fill your mind with nourishment. Get into God's Word. Listen to uplifting talk. For every negative input (which is a part of your vocation, let's be honest), counter it with the Truth that God will always come through.
* Assume just the amount of pressure God designed for you to handle. Stop telling yourself you are the answer to EVERYONE'S needs. Do just what He tells you to do. Where He calls He supplies.
Resolve to be an artesian well spurting out water of hope under natural pressure.
I'll "see" you right here next week.
If this has been helpful to you,
-> Email Your Feedback
-> Forward to a Friend
-> Use the SHARE button at the bottom of this email
Serving Strong
A minute for you
because you serve others.
Serving Strong Issue No. 153
Artesian Strength
Artesian Well"Artesian" (pronounced, "arr-TEE-zhun") is an adjective to describe water which spurts out of the earth under natural pressure. Hmmm... two phrases jump out at me when I read this definition: "spurts out" and "natural pressure." Let's look briefly at each.
"Spurts Out"
When the pressure is on, what comes out of you? Are you a jovial dispenser of joyfultude? Or are you a boiling cauldron of barbs? It's true what they say in the computer world, "Garbage In, Garbage Out." When the heat is on, what's inside boils out. What are you feeding your spirit and mind? What is your current book? What is your next book? What do you watch on TV? What do you listen to on the radio?
"Natural Pressure"
Opposite of natural is Un-natural. Un-natural pressure is the pressure that arises out of a false pretense (for example, those with a martyr complex take on others' problems as though they were their own.) We subject ourselves to this pressure. It requires extra energy to maintain - energy we cannot afford to waste. What pressure are you assuming that isn't yours to assume? What attitudes or self-talk are you operating under to make you act this way?
BE ARTESIAN
* Fill your mind with nourishment. Get into God's Word. Listen to uplifting talk. For every negative input (which is a part of your vocation, let's be honest), counter it with the Truth that God will always come through.
* Assume just the amount of pressure God designed for you to handle. Stop telling yourself you are the answer to EVERYONE'S needs. Do just what He tells you to do. Where He calls He supplies.
Resolve to be an artesian well spurting out water of hope under natural pressure.
I'll "see" you right here next week.
If this has been helpful to you,
-> Email Your Feedback
-> Forward to a Friend
-> Use the SHARE button at the bottom of this email
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Amazing Grace
I have just played Mario Super Party with my grand children and needless to say they won hands down. It is so nice to be able to take time and be a child once again. Nancy and I spent time with the oldest by herself and tonight have all three girls. While shopping with the oldest at the bookstore, wouldn't you know it I came across a reflection (actually two reflections) by Henri Nowen on the Prodigal Son. I read some of it and wished that I had read it earlier as there are some ideas that he expressed that would have helped share the sermon I am doing tomorrow.
The one insight that I wanted to share was the idea that we are to not just identify with the two sons but also with the father. That is not only for us to be forgiven but also to forgive. To not only be welcomed home but be the one welcoming home. He stated that the church tends to want to remain the dependent child on the distant heavenly father and not try to emulate the father's love and grace. Somehow that may still make it in my sermon. I may hold onto it for another time as I read the books completely.
The one insight that I wanted to share was the idea that we are to not just identify with the two sons but also with the father. That is not only for us to be forgiven but also to forgive. To not only be welcomed home but be the one welcoming home. He stated that the church tends to want to remain the dependent child on the distant heavenly father and not try to emulate the father's love and grace. Somehow that may still make it in my sermon. I may hold onto it for another time as I read the books completely.
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