Luke 6:27-31
Three Simple Rules Revisited: Do Good
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Daily Scripture June 1, 2010
1 Timothy 2:1-8
You Are Empowered and Empowering
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
You Are Empowered and Empowering
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Daily Scripture April 25, 2010
Matthew 6:9-13
The Lord's Prayer: And the Glory Forever
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. '"
The Lord's Prayer: And the Glory Forever
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. '"
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Daily Scripture April 20, 2010
Phillipians 4:1–6
The Lord's Prayer: And the Power
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The Lord's Prayer: And the Power
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Daily Scripture April 18, 2010
Matthew 6:9-15
The Lord's Prayer: And the Power
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
The Lord's Prayer: And the Power
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Daily Scripture April 17, 2010
John 15:7-17
The Lord's Prayer: Thine Is the Kingdom
7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other."
The Lord's Prayer: Thine Is the Kingdom
7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other."
Friday, April 16, 2010
Daily Scripture April 16, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1:2-7
The Lord's Prayer: Thine Is the Kingdom
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
The Lord's Prayer: Thine Is the Kingdom
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Give us this day our daily bread
In my message on The Lord’s Prayer on Sunday, I talked about how it is good to ask God for what you need. This is what Jesus invites us to do when he includes, “Give us this day our daily bread (sustenance),” in the model prayer he provides in the Sermon on the Mount.
With several small groups studying prayer, some of you have been learning how to present your specific needs to God – and you’ve experienced God’s answers. So you may wonder why I mentioned that as I get older, “I’m praying with a little less specificity and a little more trust.”
To clarify, I am getting less specific in regards to my expectations of how God will answer my requests, even as I lift specific people and situations to God in my prayers. When I pray, I am aware that God can respond in one of several different ways: “Yes,” “No,” “Not yet,” or “I’ve got a better solution than you’ve ever imagined.” My desire is to be open to God’s better solutions rather than hinging my hopes on a particular outcome. Sometimes God’s solution is to change my mind (way of thinking) before he changes my circumstances.
So please understand that I’m not discouraging specific prayer requests. By all means, I encourage you to ask God for your specific needs. At the same time, though, I encourage you to be open to the creative and surprising ways God may answer you. Indeed, one spiritual discipline you may helpful is keeping a prayer journal. As you note your prayer requests and God’s responses, you will experience the creative, beautiful, and faithful ways God addresses your needs! What are some ways you’ve witnessed God answering your prayers?
-- Thomas
With several small groups studying prayer, some of you have been learning how to present your specific needs to God – and you’ve experienced God’s answers. So you may wonder why I mentioned that as I get older, “I’m praying with a little less specificity and a little more trust.”
To clarify, I am getting less specific in regards to my expectations of how God will answer my requests, even as I lift specific people and situations to God in my prayers. When I pray, I am aware that God can respond in one of several different ways: “Yes,” “No,” “Not yet,” or “I’ve got a better solution than you’ve ever imagined.” My desire is to be open to God’s better solutions rather than hinging my hopes on a particular outcome. Sometimes God’s solution is to change my mind (way of thinking) before he changes my circumstances.
So please understand that I’m not discouraging specific prayer requests. By all means, I encourage you to ask God for your specific needs. At the same time, though, I encourage you to be open to the creative and surprising ways God may answer you. Indeed, one spiritual discipline you may helpful is keeping a prayer journal. As you note your prayer requests and God’s responses, you will experience the creative, beautiful, and faithful ways God addresses your needs! What are some ways you’ve witnessed God answering your prayers?
-- Thomas
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Daily Scripture April 11, 2010
Matthew 6:5-13
The Lord's Prayer: Thine Is the Kingdom
5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"
The Lord's Prayer: Thine Is the Kingdom
5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Friday, April 2, 2010
Daily Scripture April 2, 2010
Matthew 26:36-42
The Prodigal God: The Sequel
The Elder Brother You Can Count On
36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
The Prodigal God: The Sequel
The Elder Brother You Can Count On
36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Daily Scripture March 3, 2010
Ephesians 3:14-19
You Are His Servant
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.
You Are His Servant
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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Daily Scripture Jan. 22, 2010
Luke 11:1-13
Rule Three: Stay in Love with God
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3Give us each day our daily bread.
4Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.' "
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Rule Three: Stay in Love with God
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3Give us each day our daily bread.
4Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.' "
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Daily Scripture Jan. 19, 2010
1 Kings 8:22-30
Rule Three: Stay in Love with God
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said:
"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.
25 "Now LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons are careful in all they do to walk before me as you have done.' 26 And now, O God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true.
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive."
Rule Three: Stay in Love with God
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said:
"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.
25 "Now LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons are careful in all they do to walk before me as you have done.' 26 And now, O God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true.
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Daily Scripture Dec. 30, 2009
1 Thessalonians 1:1-8
God Is with Us: Practicing Christ's Presence
1Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it.
God Is with Us: Practicing Christ's Presence
1Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Gimp, Grimace, and Grace
‘Twas the night before Christmas 2009, which I will not soon forget. On Monday, December 21, I experienced a herniated disc or two in the course of doing a rather typical trunk twist. With Game Day (aka Christmas Eve services) approaching, like any world class athlete (which I am not) I contacted a trainer who specializes in chronic lower back pain. Over four consecutive days, my trainer conditioned me for Christmas Eve. On Day One with the trainer I learned that he does not have the spiritual gift of mercy! Nevertheless, his pain relief was amazing.
On Christmas Eve I experienced one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received in twenty years of ministry. While I did my best to conceal my pain, gimp, and grimaces, etc, from 2:25 pm on, it was cause for concern and prayer for many of you. I so desired not to be a distraction from God’s unique message of love reserved for that evening. And you came to my personal rescue!
A prayer trio laid healing hands on me at 3:00 in my office to kick-off Christmas Eve afternoon; at 3:55 in the wings of the FLC stage, the band (completely unsolicited) circled me and prayed for my stamina; at 6:05 during our congregational singing of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” in service, someone came to me as I remained seated and prayed; at 7:10 someone blessed me with God’s beverage of choice—a venti Christmas blend Starbucks coffee; just before the 8:00 service, a family delivered to me a steak dinner with all the fixings; then the chapel prayer team prayed for me in person and served me communion shortly thereafter; after the 8:00 service another person laid healing hands on my back; and the 9:15 service rallied me for the finale—an 11:00 pm service that was more spirited than I’ve ever led in my seven years at BUMC. I suspect the “prayer blanket” crafted by you for me that evening covered that service as well.
I share this to say thank you for being generous in your prayers for me. Your acts of kindness blessed hundreds this Christmas; your financial gifts through our Wider Missions offering—which continue to pour in these last days of 2009—permit us as Methodists to be the only state-approved Protestant presence in Russia and to continue loving those devastated by Hurricane Katrina as other denominations have moved on to other missions. Thank you for being a caring congregation throughout the year. Personally, your prayers sustained me Christmas Eve as God glorified his name yet again; as God still proclaims, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God bless you and may you enjoy this blessed Christmas season.
Ken
On Christmas Eve I experienced one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received in twenty years of ministry. While I did my best to conceal my pain, gimp, and grimaces, etc, from 2:25 pm on, it was cause for concern and prayer for many of you. I so desired not to be a distraction from God’s unique message of love reserved for that evening. And you came to my personal rescue!
A prayer trio laid healing hands on me at 3:00 in my office to kick-off Christmas Eve afternoon; at 3:55 in the wings of the FLC stage, the band (completely unsolicited) circled me and prayed for my stamina; at 6:05 during our congregational singing of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” in service, someone came to me as I remained seated and prayed; at 7:10 someone blessed me with God’s beverage of choice—a venti Christmas blend Starbucks coffee; just before the 8:00 service, a family delivered to me a steak dinner with all the fixings; then the chapel prayer team prayed for me in person and served me communion shortly thereafter; after the 8:00 service another person laid healing hands on my back; and the 9:15 service rallied me for the finale—an 11:00 pm service that was more spirited than I’ve ever led in my seven years at BUMC. I suspect the “prayer blanket” crafted by you for me that evening covered that service as well.
I share this to say thank you for being generous in your prayers for me. Your acts of kindness blessed hundreds this Christmas; your financial gifts through our Wider Missions offering—which continue to pour in these last days of 2009—permit us as Methodists to be the only state-approved Protestant presence in Russia and to continue loving those devastated by Hurricane Katrina as other denominations have moved on to other missions. Thank you for being a caring congregation throughout the year. Personally, your prayers sustained me Christmas Eve as God glorified his name yet again; as God still proclaims, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God bless you and may you enjoy this blessed Christmas season.
Ken
Monday, December 14, 2009
Daily Scripture Dec. 14, 2009
Luke 1:5-14
God Is with Us: Joy
5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.
8Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth..."
God Is with Us: Joy
5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.
8Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth..."
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Daily Scripture Dec. 5, 2009
Colossians 1:1-12
God Is with Us: Hope
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
God Is with Us: Hope
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
HOREC update -- Sad News
It seems as if sad news is that much more tragic and touches us more deeply when we hear of it while we are celebrating. And we're not talking about Tiger's fender bender or lower-than-desired Black Friday receipts. It is an understatement to describe the latest update from the Global Hope Kenyan mission team as "sad" -- it would be heartbreaking at any time of year, but is particularly so in this season of thanks-giving as we commence the journey to Christmas.
Briefly, early on what was our Thanksgiving Day, a group of about 15 thugs broke into the Hope for Orphans Rescue Center in Nairobi. They ransacked the building, stole supplies, terrorized the children, savagely beat the housemother, and raped two young girls.
The extended network of missionaries who work with HOREC are already mobilizing to provide immediate improved security and counseling for the children. You can read more about the attack and recovery efforts by clicking on the link above. But please keep the children and the adults who work to provide them a brighter future in your prayers this Advent, that Christ's hope, peace, joy, and love will reach them despite the evil that has been inflicted upon them. And please consider coming to the Wonderful Wednesday meal at 5:45 p.m. on December 9, which was already on the calendar to recognize and benefit the BUMC Global Hope Kenya Post-Mission Trip.
Briefly, early on what was our Thanksgiving Day, a group of about 15 thugs broke into the Hope for Orphans Rescue Center in Nairobi. They ransacked the building, stole supplies, terrorized the children, savagely beat the housemother, and raped two young girls.
The extended network of missionaries who work with HOREC are already mobilizing to provide immediate improved security and counseling for the children. You can read more about the attack and recovery efforts by clicking on the link above. But please keep the children and the adults who work to provide them a brighter future in your prayers this Advent, that Christ's hope, peace, joy, and love will reach them despite the evil that has been inflicted upon them. And please consider coming to the Wonderful Wednesday meal at 5:45 p.m. on December 9, which was already on the calendar to recognize and benefit the BUMC Global Hope Kenya Post-Mission Trip.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Daily Scripture Nov. 20, 2009
I Thessalonians 5:12-28
Enough Is Enough
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Enough Is Enough
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Daily Scripture Nov. 18, 2009
Philippians 1:3-11
Enough Is Enough
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Enough Is Enough
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
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