September 30, 2009 In Step Newsletter

Greetings, Friends-

Click here for this issue of In Step (and here for the Uth Newsletter) – and if you’re in the mood for Italian tonight, come by the church at 5:45pm for a Wonderful Wednesday meal of lasagna, bread, salad and dessert! Proceeds will be given to Hope House to help them purchase Self Sufficiency Incentives for the girls (like scrubs for a job, books for school, etc.). Hope House is a transitional home for teenage mothers and their children.

Remember this week that you are never alone – may God richly bless and sustain each one of you!

Take Care,
Kendra :)

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Psalm 63:3

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 30, 2009

Matthew 5:21-26

The Arrogance Hazard

21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,*' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."

* An Aramaic term of contempt

God Is Faithful

In the midst of many new exciting Fall programs kicking off in our children’s ministry, I somehow found myself feeling a little discouraged last week. Don’t get me wrong, God had been faithful in directing our preparations, bringing volunteers who love kids, bringing the kids to the programs (big plus!), and bringing many wonderful moments when you see that one kid who “gets” what you are so trying to teach…… So why was I feeling discouraged? No good reason really! Just little stuff, like -- I still need a few more volunteers who really love kids to join our team to make each Sunday the BEST it can be…. Sunday’s new schedule didn’t flow as I had expected…. we ran out of time and didn’t get to that last important point…. things like this that can all be solved!

So I had sent an email to parents thanking them for going with the flow as we kick off new programs and try out new schedules, and this is a response that came within minutes:

Vicki,

Thank you for all you have done. I have to seek you out this Sunday to meet you. My son is in 3rd grade and just LOVES his Sunday school experience. We are fairly new and it is good to see him so engaged and happy. He is excited to attend each Sunday and spreads the word of the Lord with joy.

Blessings,
K

Wow. God is good. He worked through this mom to encourage me. Discouragement was replaced with JOY! God reminded me that although logistics and pre-planning are important, it is ALL about the kids and our opportunity to introduce them to Jesus and help them along in their faith journey. It is about a kid wanting to be here every Sunday to learn more and to experience the love of Jesus through all who interact with him or her. And with God’s help, we can be a place where they can find these things!

I wonder if that mom knew how much I needed that email just then?!

So we will probably always need more volunteers, and our schedule still needs some tweaking, but here is what I know for sure:

God is faithful, and for that I am so grateful!

Have you ever had one of these God moments? I’d LOVE to hear your stories!!!

-- Vicki Cromarty

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 29, 2009

Matthew 5:17-20

The Arrogance Hazard

17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Spiritual Gifts

Recently, the subject of spiritual gifts has been on my mind. Several people have expressed a desire to learn more about their gifts, and I have gone into my archives to retrieve some spiritual gifts surveys I have used over the past two-plus decades.

I learned about spiritual gifts in 1987, in my first year in the ministry, in Lamar, Colorado. A colleague of mine from the Foursquare Church talked about how she helped her youth to identify and use their gifts. Spiritual gifts, she emphasized, are the way God empowers believers in Christ for ministry. These gifts, imparted by the Holy Spirit, are in addition to our natural endowments and personal temperaments. Our talents, temperaments, and spiritual gifts combine to equip each one of us uniquely for service.

I have a number of resources available for you to use to discover your spiritual gifts and basic temperament. To understand the way God has created and empowered you for ministry will give you an idea of where you can serve the Lord most effectively. Some people are hesitant to try new areas of service because they don’t know how if they will be effective. Spiritual gift and temperament tests can help reduce this anxiety.

At the same time, the biggest clue to where you will be effective in service is what stirs the most motivation and passion within you. Christ has given each of us motivation to be a part of his work, and that journey begins within -- as you examine the desires of your heart. If you or your small group wants to explore your God-given gifts, temperament, and motivations, I will be happy to meet with you. Just give me a call at 720-880-5221. Also, feel free to share your comments on how you’ve learned about your own gifts and capacities for service. God bless you!

-- Thomas

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 28, 2009

Matthew 5:13-16

The Arrogance Hazard

13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 27, 2009

Matthew 5:1-11

The Arrogance Hazard

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 26, 2009

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

The Deception Hazard

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 25, 2009

Ephesians 4:11-24

The Deception Hazard

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Mistaken Identity

She was a first-time visitor and I had the preaching assignment that day. From a distance I suppose many 4-year-olds would arrive at the same conclusion. Nestled in her grandma's arms, she curiously asked her grandpa just who I was: "Grandpa, is that President Obama?"

For the first time in my life I'm mistaken for a President of the United States at least once a quarter, usually by a preschooler. Don't get me wrong, I understand the mistake and it has been insightful.

First, as grown-ups we should never assume little tykes aren't absorbing tons of messages about religion, race, creed, gender, and sexual orientation. Innocent inquiries by children are opportunities to shape their view of God and the embrace of all people. Most importantly, my frequent cases of mistaken identity lead me to wonder, Am I mistaken for Christ as I should be? Do my words and actions resemble those of a person transformed by grace? Can others verify who I am in Christ, not by my position as pastor, but by my witness in their life?

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

I am curious: who do people mistake you for? And how are you doing resembling Christ?

Ken

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 24, 2009

Ephesians 4:1-7

The Deception Hazard

1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 23, 2009

Ephesians 3:14-21

The Deception Hazard

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

The Peace of Wild Things

When I returned to the office from lunch this afternoon, Kay immediately pulled me over to the window near my desk to show me the young red fox that had decided to take a nap behind the juniper bushes. She (at least, we think the fox is a she) is still there as I type, periodically raising her head when she hears a group of students or a loud truck go past. Otherwise, she has seemed to enjoy her refuge, unaware of the humans spying on and taking pictures of her from behind our reflective windows.

Although folklore has taught me that foxes don't necessarily lead what could be called peaceful lives, watching her from such close proximity reminded me of what a gift it is to live in Colorado and to have moments like this, which then brought to mind Wendell Berry's beautiful poem "The Peace of Wild Things." (We don't have permission to reprint it, but this website does.) May we all rest in the grace of the world with all of God's creatures.

Oh, she's gone now, spooked by the slam of a car door. I keep looking over my shoulder to see if she's returned to her spot, but she's moved on for the evening. Have a good night, little fox...

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 22, 2009

Ephesians 2:11-21

The Deception Hazard

11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 21, 2009

Ephesians 2:1-10

The Deception Hazard

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 20, 2009

Ephesians 1:3-14

The Deception Hazard

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 19, 2009

James 5:13–20

13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 18, 2009

James 5:7-12

7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

The Rewards of the Supporting Player

Recently my daughters, 5- & 7-years-old, had the opportunity to be a part of the children’s musical here at BUMC. My oldest daughter was thrilled with the idea of being in the musical and knew right away she wanted to be one of the angels in the production. I wanted to encourage her, but also felt the need to prepare her for the possibility that she might not attain her coveted part. As I suspected might happen, the cast list came out and she was not awarded a role as an angel. She was to be a member of the chorus. She was very disappointed and I feared that she would not want to be a part of the production if she could not have a named part. We had a discussion about the importance of the choir and that everyone needed to work together to make a good musical and all of those things we say as parents at moments like these. And fortunately, without much resistance, she embraced the opportunity to be part of the choir.

As we left the post-performance cast party the night of the production she made this comment to me: “Those are really some wonderful people, I hope I get to work with them again.” Originally I snickered at the diva tone of this comment, but as I thought about it, that statement showed me that we don’t always need to be the lead on a project to feel reward and that there is reward in being a part of something, being in community with others. I hope that we all can find something to be a part of that will bring you as much joy as my daughter found in being a part of the musical.

I think of the joy I receive being a part of the many activities that support the inner workings of BUMC and those things we support to help our community and world around us. If you would like to experience these joyous feelings of community and desire to find ways to get connected, let us know. We are here to help. Here at BUMC, fall kicks off all kinds of opportunities to be involved in small group studies, social activities, and many outreach opportunities also.

Do any of you have stories of disappointment relating to not receiving something you really wanted (like the role of an angel in the church play), but it turned out to be okay and rewarding in the end?

-- Nancy

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 17, 2009

James 4:1–12

1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

4You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 16, 2009

James 3:1–12

1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Pete's Pick: Mute Math

Back in March of 2005 I read about a new band in one of my favorite magazines, Relevant Magazine (www.relevantmagazine.com), that sounded very interesting. Their upcoming album at the time was withheld for some reason or another, but I was able to locate an EP (an album with less tracks on it) at a local record store and loved the sounds that came from the speakers. A highly energetic and eerily Police-sounding music was what I heard from this new band Mute Math.

This band has a special place in my music collection. I have enjoyed their music from that first cd I listened to in 2005, I have attended at least 4 concerts as they have come through Denver, and one of their songs is what my wife walked down the aisle to at our wedding. They have also had songs that appeared on a few big movie soundtracks, "Transformers" and "Twilight. " And they have a new album that just came out a few weeks back.

A thing that I like most about this band is that they are a group of Christians who are choosing to live their lives in the mainline music industry. They even fought hard to not be put on a Christian music label; in my head I like to think that is because they desire to have their ministry be one that reaches people in bars and mainline radio. To me, this is pretty cool and difficult. To live in the world but not be of the world. I almost think this is something that we all, as believers and followers of Christ, are called to do in our daily lives. To reach out to this hurting world and provide a light that points to our God, our Savior.

So check out their new album, "Armistice," or their other albums such as their self-titled debut, the "Reset" EP (the album I mentioned earlier), or their "Spotlight" EP. This is a Grammy-nominated band that puts out solid music, with solid lyrics (not so sold on Armistice’s lyrics yet) and are striving to live out the Great Commission. Follow the link to a great video of their new single, "Spotlight." And feel free to surf around Youtube to find other great performances by a great band.

pete

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 15, 2009

James 2:14-26

14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 14, 2009

James 2:1–13

1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 13, 2009

James 1:19-27

19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 12, 2009

Psalm 96

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.

Who Is the Real Prodigal?

If you’re like me, you’ve heard some sermons on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This is one of my favorite parables, but not for the reasons you may suspect. In many discussions of the parable, the focus is on the younger son and his redemption, but there is much more going on in the parable. For starters, there is the peculiar behavior of the father, who surrenders a third of his estate to the younger son just for the asking. If the meaning of “prodigal” is “extremely generous,” who is the real prodigal in the story? Another aspect of the parable that is often overlooked is the reaction of the older brother, who withdraws from his father after he receives his younger son back with open arms.

Both sons seem to be less concerned with loving their father than their personal desires. The older son ends up grieving his father as much and the younger son. Yet the father doesn’t give up on either of his children. For folks like me who are already in the Father’s house, it is important to consider what Christ is saying to the older brother. His character represents a lot of us who are already in churches, who may think we’re more deserving of God’s love because we’ve been obeying God all along. But are we?

During October, we’re going to explore this fascinating parable in worship and some special small groups, using some materials from Timothy Keller, a pastor in New York City. I invite you to participate. We’ll host some small groups you can join to consider and discuss this parable in greater depth. And you won’t want to miss our sermon series! If you’d like a preview, I invite you an introductory meeting on Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. here at BUMC. I’ll show you an intriguing DVD message from Tim Keller.

Please share your insights on the parable, and let me know if you are interested in leading or participating in a small group. Thanks so much!

-- Pastor Thomas

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 11, 2009

Psalm 95

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,

8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,

9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.

10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."

11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 10, 2009

Psalm 94

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 O LORD, the God who avenges,
O God who avenges, shine forth.

2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.

3 How long will the wicked, O LORD,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?

4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.

5 They crush your people, O LORD;
they oppress your inheritance.

6 They slay the widow and the alien;
they murder the fatherless.

7 They say, "The LORD does not see;
the God of Jacob pays no heed."

8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?

9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?

10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?

11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;

13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.

15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
one that brings on misery by its decrees?

21 They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will destroy them.

September 9, 2009 Newsletter

Greetings, Friends-

Now is an excellent time to get plugged into a small group…and you will find a COMPLETE list of them in this issue of In Step! And if you don’t find one (out of the 45 listed) that suits you, and want to start your own group, just contact Thomas Cross. He would love to hear your ideas!

Trust today that God is working things together in YOUR life for His good purpose. I love the image of God’s tapestry…when we look up, sometimes all we see are the messy threads below – but God sees the beautiful picture on the other side.

Blessings!
Kendra
:)

All things work together for good to those who love God. Romans 8:28

Parentlink Newsletter

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 9, 2009

Psalm 93

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.

2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.

5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.

See what's new in the BUMC Bookstore

When you get a chance, check out the BUMC Bookstore to see some of the latest titles recommended by Pastor Ken. Click on the link in the right column of this page to visit our Amazon-hosted site and go to Ken's Bookcase -- you might be surprised by some of the titles!

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 8, 2009

Psalm 92

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,

2 to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,

3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.

4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!

6 The senseless man does not know,
fools do not understand,

7 that though the wicked spring up like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they will be forever destroyed.

8 But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.

9 For surely your enemies, O LORD,
surely your enemies will perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.

10 You have exalted my horn [a] like that of a wild ox;
fine oils have been poured upon me.

11 My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,

15 proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 7, 2009

Psalm 91

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 6, 2009

Psalm 90

Hazards and the Heart: The Isolation Hazard

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."

4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-

6 though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.

8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.

10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11 Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 5, 2009

Psalm 128

God Believes in You

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.

4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.

5 May the LORD bless you from Zion
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,

6 and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.

The Pause Button

As music gadgets evolve, one gadget function continues to make the innovation cut: the pause button. First introduced in the reel-to-reel era, the pause button is the common gene of cassette and CD players as well as MP3 players. The pause button allows you to temporarily suspend your groove and then resume your musical enjoyment at the very moment it ceased.

At the beginning of July I pressed the pause button in my life to go on sabbatical. This particular pause button was first introduced in Genesis when God paused after creation; it was codified in the Ten Commandments, and even made it to the bygone era of 'blue laws.' Oh, wait a minute, Jesus paused —

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. (Luke 8:22)

So, like Jesus, I chose to pause for a season. Suspended a groove I admire for a cause I value — to care for my soul and love my family.

Now the pause button is disengaged and I am refreshingly re-engaged — "tanned, rested, and ready to go" for Christ's cause.

Ken

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 4, 2009

Psalm 145

God Believes in You

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.

11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,

12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.

14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 3, 2009

Psalm 110

God Believes in You

1 The LORD says to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet."

2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion;
you will rule in the midst of your enemies.

3 Your troops will be willing
on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy majesty,
from the womb of the dawn
you will receive the dew of your youth.

4 The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."

5 The Lord is at your right hand;
he will crush kings on the day of his wrath.

6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead
and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.

7 He will drink from a brook beside the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.

Thank You from Dorothy Ransom

On August 30 BUMC celebrated Dorothy Ransom's 50th anniversary as our organist with formal recognition in all services accompanied by the presentation of roses, one for every year of her music ministry. The United Methodist Women hosted a reception for her all morning long so people could visit with her, which kept Dorothy busy greeting her admirers between rehearsing with the choirs and playing for the traditional services. It was a jam-packed morning of activity, but Dorothy says, "I thank the Lord that I was able to do that!"


She was also blessed to have some family members in attendance, and one daughter who was not able to be here provided beautiful flower arrangements for the Chapel and Sanctuary in honor of her mother's achievement. Dorothy was surprised to see the familiar face of a woman who studied with her over 30 years ago and who now lives in Hawaii. The former student was in town visiting a sick family member but wanted to share in Dorothy's special day while she was here. Apparently her teenage son is now an accomplished pianist in his own right, evidence of how Dorothy's influence continues to be felt through generations.

Dorothy asked us to pass along the following note:

Thank you, everyone who helped make my 50 years as organist celebration a very special day. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and good wishes. I thank God for giving me the gift of music to share with you. God bless you!
Dorothy Ransom

God bless you, Dorothy, and all the gifts you continue to share with the BUMC family!

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 2, 2009

Psalm 81

God Believes in You

1 Sing for joy to God our strength;
shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

2 Begin the music, strike the tambourine,
play the melodious harp and lyre.

3 Sound the ram's horn at the New Moon,
and when the moon is full, on the day of our Feast;

4 this is a decree for Israel,
an ordinance of the God of Jacob.

5 He established it as a statute for Joseph
when he went out against Egypt,
where we heard a language we did not understand.

6 He says, "I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.

7 In your distress you called and I rescued you,
I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Selah

8 "Hear, O my people, and I will warn you—
if you would but listen to me, O Israel!

9 You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not bow down to an alien god.

10 I am the LORD your God,
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

11 "But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.

12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.

13 "If my people would but listen to me,
if Israel would follow my ways,

14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!

15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.

16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."

Global Hope Golf Tournament a Success!

Global Hope recently held its 8th Annual Golf Tournament at the Omni Interlocken Golf Club on Saturday, August 22. The tournament attracted 100 golfers and 30+ volunteers on a beautiful summer day. The course offered the golfers a true test of Colorado golf while the air show from the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport allowed the golfers to take their minds off of the game to witness some incredible air acrobatics.

This year Global Hope was joined by major sponsors St. Anthony North Health Foundation, Level 3, Ball Corporation and the Omni Interlocken Resort. The wonderful day of golf concluded with a live and silent auction of items donated by many supporters including the Denver Broncos, Denver Broncos Alumni Association, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, University of Colorado Athletics, and several hotels and resorts from around the country. Mark Richt, head coach of the University of Georgia football team, signed a football for the auction. Mark grew up in Broomfield and was coached by Global Hope board member Don Bolich in baseball and football as a child. The UGA football sold for $500, being outdone only by a helmet autographed by John Elway, which sold for $700.

In all, the volunteers, sponsors, and supporters of Global Hope raised over $18,000 for children in Romania and Kenya. Global Hope would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and money to make this year's golf tournament a great success.

Daily Scripture Reading Sept. 1, 2009

Psalm 48

God Believes in You

1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

2 It is beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth.
Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
the city of the Great King.

3 God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.

4 When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,

5 they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.

6 Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.

7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.

8 As we have heard,
so have we seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure forever.
Selah

9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.

10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Mount Zion rejoices,
the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments.

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them to the next generation.

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.