What Funerals Say About What We Believe

Here is a very thought-provoking essay about how traditional Christian beliefs sometimes get swallowed up in very confusing ways.  Read it and see what you think!

http://www.gbod.org/atf/cf/%7B3482E846-598F-460A-B9A7-386734470EDA%7D/WrightUMCLiturgyfinal.pdf

FEB. 19 - What in the World - Our Fragile Planet

If you want to go a little deeper on this topic, check out this article by Andrew R. Lewis, found on the web site of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:

Environmental Stewardship: A Theological Model for the Environment

Check out also these sites for more challenging thoughts:

God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action

Christian Ecology

A Christian Looks at Islam

This message by Pastor Adam Hamilton will prove helpful to you as you seek to understand how Christians are called to relate to Muslims...


http://www.cor.org/worship/sermon-archives/show/sermons/A-Christian-Looks-at-Islam/

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?

On Sunday, January 29, I begin a new message series titled "What In the World Is Going On?"

How does our faith connect with the events on the world scene? How does biblical truth affect the way we see the world? Are the awful things that happen all around us simply fulfillment of prophecy?

COMMENT on this blog...What do you see happening in the world around us that causes you great concern??

JANUARY 15 - Thoughts on "Servant Leadership"

As we think together about "The Hands On Challenge," you may enjoy reading a little bit more about how the concept of "SERVANT LEADERSHIP" is being applied in the world of business:

SERVANT LEADERSHIP article from Wikipedia

JANUARY 1 - Thoughts on Goal Setting!

JOHN WESLEY: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.


DAVID MAINES: You're likely to fail at godly goals if you attempt to do too much - to grow in every area of your life. This year, narrow the search by choosing one character quality to work on. Map out a single-minded program of development. Do you want to become more loving? Design a prayer - type it out - place it where you will see it daily. Write out scriptures from Genesis to Revelation that speak of love. Reread these through the year. Think about a loving person you know, someone who can be a model for you. Finally, remember to put it all in God's hands, for the grace of God will be upon you as you work at developing that godly character quality.


ANTHONY THE GREAT: The blacksmith, who pounds a piece of iron, has previously thought about what he wants to make - a sickle, a knife, an axe - and works accordingly. And so let the man of God ponder in advance which virtues he wishes to acquire, in order not to toil aimlessly.


DON NATIONS: Do you have resolutions or plans for 2012? Resolutions are the things we hope will happen in the new year. As most resolutions do not make it out of the month of January, it is clear that these are mostly wishes for what will happen – hopefully without a lot of new effort of our part.

Plans are different. They are specific new actions that we are going to take in order to produce new and desired results. Plans set priorities and push us towards a specific goal. Plans are necessary because we know that if we only make minor tweaks to what we have been doing, we are not going to see the much improved results we say we want.

Do you have resolutions or plans? Plans can push us out of our comfort zone but they can also be the key to significant improvement!


ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON (ideas for New Year's resolutions):
1. Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.
2. Make the best of your circumstances. No one has everything, and everyone has something of sorrow intermingled with the gladness of life.
3. Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that befall others.
4. You can't please everybody. Don't let criticism worry you.
5. Don't let your neighbors set your standards. Be yourself.
6. Do the things that you enjoy doing, but stay out of debt.
7. Don't borrow trouble.
8. Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish enmities or grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.
9. Have many interests. If you can't travel, read about new places.
10. Don't hold postmortems. Don't spend your life brooding over sorrows and mistakes.
11. Don't be one who never gets over things.


DAVID & KAREN MAINES: Goals shouldn't keep accumulating from year to year. They need to be weeded. Pull those that are purely secular - a drive for good looks or success. Those may make you perfect in some people's eyes, but not in the eyes of God. Godly goals have everything to do with obedience, sacrifice for the common good, serving others and serving the Lord, dying to self, developing qualities of character that are anything but ego-gratifying. Spend a little time with Christ in your goal garden. Are there weeds that he would like you to pull and discard?


HENRIETTA KERR: I think you will find that it is not by making resolutions in a difficulty that you will conquer a fault - tackling it, I mean - but much more by opening a window to Almighty God, and letting him speak to you. He sets us thinking and mending our faults by a quiet way which looks as though it had nothing to do with it; and then, when we come to about where our fault used to be, we find it gone.


GREG ASIMAKOUPOULOS:
Another year's been published.
It was one for the books.
It's bound to be remembered
so go ahead, take one last look.
Pages filled with busyness
paragraphs of fear
footnotes of regret
endnotes of prayer
chapters of contentment
indexes of joy
illustrations of amazing grace
in a most amazing year.
But all that's ancient history.
What's past is in the past.
It's time to write a sequel
filled with memories that will last.
Your table is unblemished
just like the days ahead.
So, full of faith and confidence
write on with ink or lead.


A PRAYER: Father, as a new year evolves, I resolve to involve myself in matters that matter, in concerns that concern others, and in issues that issue from your will. To that end, please send your Spirit and fill my heart as I start afresh to serve. Amen.

DEC. 25 - Thoughts on Gift Receiving

During today's message we thought together about how we receive the gift of Jesus! It's also helpful to think about how we receive gifts that are offered to us from others - both at Christmas time - and all year long. Here are some thoughts from others...


DON'T FORGET the "small moments." In our hurried pace, we sometimes miss the gifts God has given us. Moments that usually escape us can be precious - a sunrise, a full moon, a bird singing. Stop to look, listen, smell, enjoy, and admire the gifts God continually supplies. And say THANK YOU!


1 TIMOTHY 4:4-5 (nlt). Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.


OLD SCOTTISH PROVERB: Whatever you do, don't be a stingy receiver!


WRITE A FAMILY PRAYER. Have each family member include a few sentences of things they are thankful for from 2011. Store the prayer with your Christmas keepsakes, and read it again a year from now! And then write a new one!


WATCH FOR GIFTS WITHOUT BOWS. Some of the best gifts you will receive may not be wrapped in fancy paper with a bow on top. A kind gesture. Help in a tough time. Don't take these surprises for granted. Acknowledge them with a grateful heart! If you really dare, think about the gifts you have received that seemed negative at first - but turned out for the best.


A PRAYER. O Lord Christ, you came to us as a small gift, in an ordinary place, in common time. Help us to receive the small things as precious, and get caught up with the grandiose, the extravagant, the expensive, the exquisite. We are, after all - all of us - very small in terms of history and the universe. Yet YOU gratefully receive US with joy! Teach us to do the same! Amen.


THINK OF MARY. So often we are reluctant receivers of the gifts that come our way. We don't consider unexpected interruptions or extra activities as gifts. We want everything to run smoothly, according to our plans. When our days involve changes in our plans, giving thanks becomes a chore. Like Mary, who was given the quite unexpected gift of being the mother of the Messiah - we can receive with thanksgiving the unexpected gifts!


AND FINALLY - SOME ADVICE FROM MISS MANNERS ON THANK YOU NOTES!! Today's Houston Chronicle Miss Manners column had some good advice on how to write a good thank you note!

She notes three good elements to a good thank you note!

(1) An expression of delight.

(2) Mention of the particular present and why it caused this delight.

(3) Kind words about the giver along with the expression of thanks.

She also notes two examples of POOR thank you notes!!

The first is in the "Thanks, I Hate It" category. This one came in response to being given a basket of fruits and sweets:

“I know that this probably cost a mint, so it makes me feel very guilty when I throw it all in the trash. One year I took a bunch of sweets to the women and children’s shelter here in town, but I was appalled when I saw that almost everyone in there was morbidly obese. So, I never took another. There is really not one soul who lives in this house who can eat those sweets with reckless abandon — all of us have weight issues. If you can’t steer away from sending these, please do not worry — I will just continue to throw it all away. (I did keep the six pears.)”

The second is in the category of “Don’t Think You’re Finished Shopping.” This person received the gift of a sweater:

“I’m sending this back, because even though the size is OK, I like to wear things bigger, but the real problem is the color. What were you thinking? I hate blue! I didn’t see a gift receipt, and anyway, you live nearer the mall than I do, so I would appreciate a larger one in medium green, not too dark and certainly not that awful yellowy green. You can send me pictures from the store if you’re not sure.”


REMEMBER to "season your gift-receiving" appropriately!!

DEC. 18 - Thoughts on Glorifying!!

How do we "season the season" with glorifying? Here are some not-so-random thoughts from David Mains and others:

THINK about how you approach the worship service. Come, expecting to receive. Don't come like a cork - bobbing on the ocean, just going through the motions. Come with your eyes open to see the hand of God, and your ears tuned to hear the frequency of heaven!


USE MUSIC. The music of the season - in your home or car - can help tune your heart any time of year! Share songs that touch your heart with your children and other family members. (BY THE WAY - did you know there is a new Christian music station in Austin County - check out 90.7 FM.)


CONTINUAL PRAISE. Implement continual praise into your life. Adopt a praise phrase (like "Glory to Jesus" - or - "Be with me Lord" - or - "Glory to God in the highest" - or another one) - and repeat it to yourself throughout the day.


TWEET PRAISE! Use Twitter or Facebook to share brief inspirational thoughts with others!


PRAYER WRAPPING. Pray for each person who is receiving a gift as you wrap it!


BORING TASKS. Use "task time" like driving, or walking the dog, to meditate on the goodness of God.


IDENTIFY OBSTACLES. Write down obstacles that keep you from offering yourself wholly to God. Pray about those obstacles.


SEE THE BABY! When you see a family with a newborn, if it is appropriate, take a moment to say a word of blessing to them. Then say a silent prayer for that family. And thank God for becoming a helpless, humble child in order to save you from your sins!


USE THE MANGER SCENE. Use the manger scene characters with your family to talk about what it was like for each of the characters in the Christmas story - even the animals!


MOVIE NIGHT. Purchase or rent the great movie "The Nativity Story" (suitable for approximately age 10 and up). Talk about the movie with your family!


TALK ABOUT CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP. Talk with your family members about how excited you are to celebrate that "holy night." If you are out of town, find a church (of any denomination) to attend.


INVITE A NEIGHBOR to share Christmas Eve Candlelight worship with you! Candlelight worship at BUMC on Christmas Eve is at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. - plus we have an "early" candlelight service (for those whose schedules are busy on Christmas Eve) - on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m.


A POEM. Read this poem by Greg Asimakoupoulos, called "Godspeak":

As I sit in silence for the service to begin,
I wonder how the living Lord might speak to me again.
Will it be the songs we sing or in the pastor's prayer?
It just might be the sermon or a need somebody shares.
Maybe God will touch my heart through laughter or a sigh,
or even through distractions like a newborn's hungry cry.
Whatever means God chooses to bend my ear his way,
I will worship him expectantly for there is something he will say.

DECEMBER 4 - Top Ten Christmas Shopping Mistakes

Top 10 Christmas Shopping Mistakes (from daveramsey.com)

We’ve all paid “stupid tax” — making costly decisions with zeros on the end. A lot of those decisions happen when we’re caught up in the emotion of the Christmas season and procrastinate a little too long.

Make this year different!

Here are the top 10 Christmas shopping mistakes and how you can act differently:

1. Not prioritizing. Instead of getting stressed out with all the parties, baking and shopping, in addition to your normal daily life, set some priorities before you’re bombarded with a million requests. Think about which things are “must do” and which are “would be nice to do.” It’s all right to say no to keep yourself sane. Shopping for gifts is more fun when you’re not completely stressed out.

2. Not using a budget. Before you make a gift list and head to the mall, set aside a reasonable amount of money for gifts. Make a commitment that you won’t add $20 to the fund every week just because you saw something cute that your niece would love. Get budgeting advice here.

3. Using credit cards. Once you have your budget finalized, stay away from credit cards! You will still spend 12-18% more if you use plastic, and you’ll be paying it off come 2012! Doesn’t paying with cash sound more freeing than having a credit card balance looming over your head? You bet.

4. Buying for everyone. Do you really need to buy gifts for every family member and friend you have? That can get overwhelming and expensive for everyone. Talk with them and work toward an agreement to draw names for gifts or donate money to a common cause.

5. Not listening. Listen to the hints your loved ones drop about what they need or want this year. Maybe your Aunt Sally mentioned that she would love someone to help her in the garden, or Cousin Bob keeps losing guitar picks. A thoughtful gift like this will mean a lot.

6. Not having a thought-out list on paper. If you think you can spend time in “Christmas retail world” without getting distracted by all the shiny toys, you’re in for a big surprise! You’ll be more likely to buy impulsively if you do it that way. Write down what each person you’re buying for would like and stick to the list. Stay focused!

7. Not shopping around. “Shopping around” doesn’t mean you have to spend 24 extra hours running from store to store to save 10 cents. Take a look at your gift list and do some comparative price-checking online before you head out into the retail and traffic madness. This will save you money, time and stress!

8. Waiting until the last minute. Procrastination is not the most appealing gift out there. Don’t find yourself stressed out on Christmas Eve just because you didn’t invest a little bit of time to plan.

9. Forgetting to plan for next year. Throughout the next year, look for outrageous sales on things your loved ones will need. If you time the sales just right and clip some coupons, you could land a major discount on something you were going to buy in a few months for a birthday or wedding gift. Remember to have a list and budget for this, too.

10. Forgetting why we celebrate. If this season becomes all about shopping and gifts, you’ve missed the whole point. People—not things—matter. The miraculous birth of a baby who changed the world is what matters.

Week 24 - Transformation Journal - Role Models (June 19-25)

the word on...ROLE MODELS

SUNDAY 6/19 - What is my role in being an example for others?
Read Acts 11:19-26 and 1 Corinthians 10:23 - 11:1

MONDAY 6/20 - How do I model faith to the next generation of believers?
Read Deuteronomy 11:2-7, 13-21 and 2 Timothy 1:3-14

TUESDAY 6/21 - What happens if I am not a good model of faith for others?
Read Judges 2:10-15 and 1 Samuel 2:11-18

WEDNESDAY 6/22 - How do I point others to God with my life?
Read Deuteronomy 31:1-8 and Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2

THURSDAY 6/23 - Can I really be an example for others to follow?
Read Esther 2:5-7, 17-19; Esther 4:1-17 and 1 Timothy 4:11-16

FRIDAY 6/24 - How can I help others respond to the calling of God?
Read 2 Kings 2:1-22 and 2 Timothy 4:1-8

SATURDAY 6/25 - How do I care for those God has given me to shepherd?
Read Acts 20:17-35 and 1 Peter 5:1-4

Week 23 - Transformation Journal (June 12-18)

the word on...THE HOLY SPIRIT

SUNDAY 6/12 - What was the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit during Jesus' time on earth?
Read Luke 4:14-20 and Philippians 2:5-13

MONDAY 6/13 - Why was it important for Jesus to rejoin his Father in heaven?
Read John 14:15-31

TUESDAY 6/14 - What was the significance of Pentecost?
Read Acts 2:1-21

WEDNESDAY 6/15 - What does it mean to be "filled" with the Spirit?
Read Acts 4:1-37 and Ephesians 5:17-18

THURSDAY 6/16 - Is the Holy Spirit described only in the New Testament?
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-23

FRIDAY 6/17 - What if I don't understand what God is saying in Scripture?
Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 and Isaiah 55:6-11

SATURDAY 6/18 - What difference can the presence of the Holy Spirit make in my everyday life?

Week 18 - Transformation Journal (May 8-14)

the word on...COMMUNION

For Pastor Robert's 2010 message on Communion go to this link:
BUMC MESSAGES
and find the message from October 3, 2010

SUNDAY 5/8 - How did the ritual of Communion begin?
Read Exodus 12:1-13, 21-30

MONDAY 5/9 - Why did God's people celebrate the Passover?
Read Exodus 12:14-20 and Deuteronomy 16:1-8

TUESDAY 5/10 - What was the purpose of Old Testament sacrifices?
Read Exodus 13:1-16 and Hebrews 7:18-28

WEDNESDAY 5/11 - Why is taking Communion significant for believers?
Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Luke 22:7-23

THURSDAY 5/12 - What is the significance of the bread used in Communion?
Read John 6:35 and Hebrews 10:1-25

FRIDAY 5/13 - What is the significance of the cup used in Communion?
Read Ephesians 1:7 and Hebrews 9:1-28

SATURDAY 5/14 - What attitude should I have each time I take Communion?
Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and 5:6-8

Week 17 - Transformation Journal (May 1-7)

the word on...WORSHIP

SUNDAY 5/1 - What kind of worshippers does God seek?
Read John 4:1-26

MONDAY 5/2 - What is the outcome of worship?
Read Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:4-10

TUESDAY 5/3 - How did biblical characters demonstrate a lifestyle of worship?
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23 and Psalm 100

WEDNESDAY 5/4 - How can I worship when I feel doubtful?
Read Matthew 28:1-20 and Psalm 20

THURSDAY 5/5 - In what specific ways can I worship and honor God?
Read Ephesians 5:8-20 and Colossians 3:12-27

FRIDAY 5/6 - Is there a difference between worship in the Old and New Testaments?
Read Hebrews 12:18-29 and Psalm 98

SATURDAY 5/7 - How does the authenticity of my worship influence other people?
Read Amos 5:21-24 and Isaiah 58:1-14

Week 16 - Transformation Journal (April 24-30)

the word on...RECONCILIATION

SUNDAY 4/24 - What does "reconciliation" mean?
Read John 1:1-18 and John 3:16-21

MONDAY 4/25 - What are the characteristics of reconciliation?
Read Isaiah 11:1-10 and Isaiah 65:17-25

TUESDAY 4/26 - What does God expect of me as a "reconciler"?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and 2 Corinthians 6:1-12

WEDNESDAY 4/27 - What examples of reconciliation does the Bible provide?
Read Genesis 45:1-28

THURSDAY 4/28 - What can I expect from a lifestyle of reconciliation?
Read Mark 4:1-20

FRIDAY 4/29 - How does practicing reconciliation with others fuel my Christian walk?
Read Matthew 5:21-26 and Ephesians 4:21-27

SATURDAY 4/30 - How can I stay reconciled with God?
Read 1 John 1:8-10 and 1 John 2:1-11

more thoughts on Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday's message referred to some thoughts from Halden Doerge - his message on Palm Sunday can be found at this link:

"YOUR HOPE MUST BE DASHED" - by Halden Doerge of Portland, Ore.

Week 15 - Transformation Journal (April 17-23)

the word on...HOPE

SUNDAY 4/17 - What hope is there for me when I have doubts about my faith?
Read John 20:19-30

MONDAY 4/18 - Can Jesus endure my questions and turn them into trust?
Read John 3:1-15 and John 19:38-42

TUESDAY 4/19 - Why should I put my hope in God?
Read Psalm 25:1-5 and Psalm 62:1-8

WEDNESDAY 4/20 - How will Jesus help me have hope when I'm in need?
Read Luke 8:40-56

THURSDAY 4/21 - How can I stay hopeful when life turns bleak?
Read Habakkuk 3:1-19 and 1 Timothy 6:17

FRIDAY 4/22 - How can Jesus turn my hope in him into faithful action?
Read Matthew 14:22-36

SATURDAY 4/23 - How does hope keep me on the right track in my Christian walk?
Read Ephesians 1:15-23, 1 John 3:1-3, and 1 Peter 1:13-15

Help with your testimony or witness

(These thoughts come from a paper called "Telling Your Story" by Rainer Kunz.)

Thirty questions to help you unlock the power of a testimony:

How did God show up for you in a time of need?

How has God enabled you to overcome hardship, oppression and adversity for yourself and others?

What did God do with your failed dreams or other disappointments?

How has God healed you or given you special grace in a time of sickness?

How did God arrange recovery from a crisis?

How did God respond to your rebellion?

How has God changed your perceptions of the church, of life or of Himself?

How did God meet you in times of grief and sorrow?

How has God revealed His sense of humor, bring light moments in a dark world?

What epiphany, paradigm shift, or life lesson has God taught you, and what is the story behind it?

How has God given you the strength to overcome life-controlling issues?

How have you received direction or redirection from God?

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed God to show up -- otherwise you were sunk? What happened?

In John 15:5 we learn that apart from Christ we can do nothing. How has that played out in your life?

How has God enriched your marriage, family, career, or finances?

How did God bring you to himself?

How has God used mentors in your life?

How has God brought success out of humble beginnings?

How did God enable you to stand firm when you were tempted to sin or to compromise your faith?

How did God use a turning point in your life?

What has God taught you about living the Christian life, and how did he do it?

How have you received direction from God? Have you ever received direction from God in an unusual way?

How has God changed your values and your perspective?

How have you found God's grace in painful situations?

How have you found God's strength in a time of weakness?

How has God rescued you from danger?

How has God brought peace to you concerning troubling questions about your faith?

What has God taught you about problems you couldn't fix?

How has God enabled you to deal with lies about you or threats to your reputation?

How has God turned disaster around for good for you?

Creative ways to share your testimony

1. A Christmas letter or other letter or newsletter

2. In conversation

3. A video or DVD (could use an interview format)

4. To your Bible study or other small group at church

5. On a web site -- your own, your church's or there are some sites that specialize in testimonies

Eight Tips For Sharing Your Testimony

Testimonies are about what God has done in our lives, not about what we did for God. They are about God's success, not our success. We want our listener to be in awe about God and not about us.

1. Pray...and then pray some more. Speak to God and ask him to speak through you.

2. Follow a simple plan
A. your life before Christ
B. how you met Christ
C. your life after receiving Christ

3. Start with an interesting, thought provoking, and/or powerful sentence.

4. Offer a good conclusion. Try not to let things remain vague or open-ended.

5. Include relevant, thought-provoking personal experiences. Give enough detail to arouse interest.

6. Use some Scripture verses to help you explain the gospel clearly.

7. Avoid negative statements about other individuals or groups.

8. Avoid using Christian jargon like "sanctified" and "redeemed," while you lift up Christ as the way.

Week 14 - Transformation Journal (April 10-16)

the word on...SHARING YOUR FAITH

SUNDAY 4/3 - Do I really have to share my faith in Jesus Christ with others?
Read Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:1-9

MONDAY - What is my role in bringing others to new life in Jesus Christ?
Read Romans 10:8-17 and 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

TUESDAY - What is the story of Jesus Christ that I am to share with others?
Read Acts 10:34-48 and Acts 13:13-39

WEDNESDAY - What is the difference between sharing the gospel message and sharing my faith?
Read Acts 26:1-29

THURSDAY - How can I be a better witness of what God has done for me?
Read Psalm 71:14-42 and Psalm 145:1-21

FRIDAY - What must I do to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and Colossians 4:2-6

SATURDAY - How much of my time should I dedicate to witnessing for Christ?
Rea 2 Corinthians 4:1-15

Week 13 - Transformation Journal (April 3-9)

the word on...SECOND CHANCES

SUNDAY 4/3 - Where does the opportunity for a second chance with God begin?
Read Matthew 16:13-28

MONDAY 4/4 - What if my need for a second chance is the result of turning my back on God?
Read John 18:15-27 and 21:1-19

TUESDAY 4/5 - What can I expect from Jesus when I ask for a second chance?
Read John 8:2-11 and Hebrews 4:14-16

WEDNESDAY 4/6 - What role do followers of Jesus play in the second chances of others?
Read Luke 15:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17--6:2

THURSDAY 4/7 - How does my attitude influence the realization of a second chance?
Read Luke 15:11-32

FRIDAY 4/8 - How many "second chances" do I get?
Read 1 John 1:5--2:2 and Isaiah 55:6-13

SATURDAY 4/9 - Is it ever too late to ask God for a second chance?
Read John 5:1-15 and Psalm 130

Week 12 - Transformation Journal (March 27 - April 2)

the word on...OBEDIENCE

SUNDAY 3/27 - What is my first step in becoming an obedient child of God?
Read Jonah 1:1 - 2:10

MONDAY 3/28 - What are God's promises for my obedience?
Read Jonah 3:1-10 and James 1:22-25

TUESDAY 3/29 - How does my love for Christ affect my obedience to God?
Read John 14:15-31

WEDNESDAY 3/30 - How does obedience help strengthen my faith in God?
Read Luke 5:1-11 and Genesis 6:13-22

THURSDAY 3/31 - What guarantee comes with my obedience to God?
Read Matthew 7:15-29

FRIDAY 4/1 - I'm not sure what God wants of me - how can I find out?
Read Psalm 119:9-16, 33-40, 57-64, 97-104

SATURDAY 4/2 - What is God's great goal for my obedient life?
Read Acts 3:1-10 and 4:1-22

Week 11 - Transformation Journal (March 20-26)

the word on...PERSEVERANCE

SUNDAY 3/20 - Why does God let me experience trouble and challenges?
Read James 1:2-12 and John 15:1-11

MONDAY 3/21 - How much confidence to persevere comes through my faith in God?
Read Exodus 14:5-31

TUESDAY 3/22 - After I make the commitment to stand firm, what does God expect me to do?
Read Exodus 17:1-7, James 5:7-11, and Galatians 6:7-10

WEDNESDAY 3/23 - How do God's grace and perseverance go together?
Read Romans 5:1-5, 2 Peter 1:3-11, and Psalm 20

THURSDAY 3/24 - How can other believers help encourage me to persevere?
Read Exodus 17:8-16 and Psalm 138

FRIDAY 3/25 - Why did Jesus promise his return to earth and then make his followers wait and persevere for so long?
Read Matthew 24:1-14, 42-51 and Matthew 25:1-13

SATURDAY 3/26 - In what ways does God promise victory to those who persevere?
Read Romans 8:28-40 and Isaiah 40:25-31

Week 10 - Transformation Journal (Mar. 13-19)

the word on...CHARACTER

SUNDAY 3/13 - What do the choices I make toward achieving goals say about my character?
Read Genesis 27:1 - 28:9

MONDAY 3/14 - Despite poor decisions I've made, how can God still improve my character?
Read Genesis 28:10 - 29:30

TUESDAY 3/15 - What could happen if I don't let God deal with immaturity in my character?
Read Genesis 29:31 - 30:43

WEDNESDAY 3/16 - What are appropriate ways to break free from old patterns in my character?
Read Genesis 31:1-55

THURSDAY 3/17 - Can the destruction I've caused others through my immaturity be healed?
Read Genesis 32:1 - 33:20

FRIDAY 3/18 - What does it mean for my character when God asks me to "be perfect?"
Read Matthew 5:38-48 and Psalm 15:1-5

SATURDAY 3/19 - What process does God use to develop Christlike character in me?
Read Romans 8:9-30

Week 9 - Transformation Journal (Mar. 6-12)

the word on...TESTING

SUNDAY 3/6 - What is God trying to accomplish through "testing" times in my life?
Read 1 Peter 1:3-12 and Job 23:1-12

MONDAY 3/7 - To what extent will God go in "testing" followers like me?
Read Hebrews 11:8-19 and Genesis 22:1-19

TUESDAY 3/8 - How does God want tests and trials to affect my willingness to trust?
Read Exodus 15:22 - 16:35

WEDNESDAY 3/9 - Does God use other people to "test" me at times?
Read Judges 2:6 - 3:6

THURSDAY 3/10 - In what other ways does God sometimes "test" me?
Read Luke 18:18-30

FRIDAY 3/11 - How is waiting on God connected with "testing" my faith?
Read John 11:1-45

SATURDAY 3/12 - Do blessings always follow "testing"?
Read Psalm 66

Week 8 - Transformation Journal (Feb. 27 - Mar. 5)

the word on...SELF-DISCIPLINE

NOTE - CLICK HERE to see a video clip showing children's reactions to the Marshmallow Test!

CLICK HERE to read an interesting New Yorker article about the Marshmallow Test.

SUNDAY 2/27 - What do my Christian faith and self-discipline have to do with each other?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

MONDAY 2/28 - How is it possible to fight against my own sinful desires - and win?
Read Romans 6:1-18 and Romans 13:12-14

TUESDAY 3/1 - How can the Holy Spirit help me with my self-discipline?
Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and Galatians 5:1, 13-26

WEDNESDAY 3/2 - How does practicing faithful self-discipline affect my relationship with God?
Read Titus 2:11-14 and Psalm 34:1-22

THURSDAY 3/3 - What role does my mind play in learning daily discipline?
Read Colossians 3:1-17

FRIDAY 3/4 - What are the results of a faithful, self-disciplined life?
Read Daniel 1:1-21 and Matthew 6:33

SATURDAY 3/5 - How can I keep others from discouraging or distracting me?
Read Psalm 1:1-6

Week 7 - Transformation Journal (Feb. 20-26)

the word on...HOSPITALITY

NOTE - CLICK HERE to see the video clip about the way fans of Grapevine's Faith Christian School showed hospitality to the football players from Gainesville State School.

SUNDAY 2/20 - What does hospitality look like to God?
Read Matthew 25:31-46 and 1 Peter 4:7-11

MONDAY 2/21 - How far do I have to go in being hospitable?
Read Luke 14:1-24

TUESDAY 2/22 - I understand how my hospitality can benefit others, but what's in it for me?
Read Luke 24:13-36 and Hebrews 13:1-3

WEDNESDAY 2/23 - How can I help create a climate of hospitality within the body of Christ (the church)?
Read Romans 12:9-21, Acts 2:42-47, and 3 John 1:1-14

THURSDAY 2/24 - What are the long-term effects of practicing hospitality for a Christian?
Read Acts 16:11-40

FRIDAY 2/25 - What are some examples of hospitality in action?
Read Acts 21:1-16 and Acts 28:1-10

SATURDAY 2/26 - What can give me the capacity to truly demonstrate radical hospitality?
Read James 2:14-26 and 1 John 3:16-24

Week 6 - Transformation Journal (Feb. 13-19)

the word on...LOVE VERSUS LUST

SUNDAY 2/13 - What is the difference between godly love and worldly lust?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-9, 1 Peter 4:1-8, and Ephesians 5:1-7

MONDAY 2/14 - What is the true definition of love?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

TUESDAY 2/15 - Where can I get motivation to love others?
Read 1 John 4:7-21 and John 13:34-35

WEDNESDAY 2/16 - What is loving others supposed to look like?
Read 1 John 3:11-24 and John 15:12-13

THURSDAY 2/17 - How can I know God genuinely loves me?
Read Romans 8:31-39, Romans 5:6-8, and John 3:16-17

FRIDAY 2/18 - What is an example of love that I can learn from?
Read Luke 7:36-50

SATURDAY 2/19 - What does love look like among Christians?
Read Romans 13:8-10, Romans 12:9-13, and Galatians 5:13-14

Week 5 - Transformation Journal (Feb. 6-12)

the word on...STEWARDSHIP

SUNDAY 2/6 - What does it mean to practice "stewardship"?
Read Luke 12:35-48

MONDAY 2/7 - What is the connection between the ability to handle financial responsibilities and the ability to handle spiritual responsibilities?
Read Luke 16:1-15

TUESDAY 2/8 - What am I supposed to do with God's resources?
Read Luke 19:1-27

WEDNESDAY 2/9 - How can I best manage the servant responsibilities God has entrusted to me?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:7-27

THURSDAY 2/10 - What does good stewardship of my Christian lifestyle look like?
Read Ephesians 4:11 - 5:20

FRIDAY 2/11 - What does time management have to do with stewardship of God's resources?
Read Psalm 90

SATURDAY 2/12 - What key practice do I need to develop to become a good overall steward of God's resources?
Read Matthew 6:19-34 and Matthew 11:25-30

WEEK 4 - Transformation Journal (Jan. 30 - Feb. 5)

the word on...SERVING

SUNDAY 1/30 - WHY WOULD JESUS WASH HIS DISCIPLES' FEET?
Read John 13:1-17

MONDAY 1/31 - WHERE CAN I GET STRENGTH AND MOTIVATION TO SERVE OTHERS?
Read John 14:1-14

TUESDAY 2/1 - WHAT WILL SERVING JESUS REQUIRE OF ME?
Read Luke 9:51-10:20

WEDNESDAY 2/2 - IS EVERYONE SUPPOSED TO BE INVOLVED IN SERVICE FOR JESUS?
Read Romans 12:1-8 and 2 Timothy 2:20-26

THURSDAY 2/3 - HOW DID JESUS DEFINE "GREATNESS"?
Read Matthew 20:20-28 and Philippians 2:3-11

FRIDAY 2/4 - WHAT MIND-SET DOES GOD EXPECT ME TO HAVE WHILE SERVING?
Read Luke 17:7-19 and Colossians 3:18-4:1

SATURDAY 2/5 - WHAT PROBLEMS MIGHT I FACE AS A RESULT OF SERVING JESUS?
Read Matthew 5:38-41 and Matthew 10:32-42

Week 3 - Transformation Journal (January 23-29)

the word on...COMMUNITY

SUNDAY 1/23 - WHAT IS IT THAT SEEMS TO DRAW ME INTO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY?
Read 1 John 1:1-10 and 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

MONDAY 1/24 - WHY SHOULD I COMMIT MYSELF REGULARLY TO BE WITH GOD'S COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS?
Read Acts 2:29-47

TUESDAY 1/25 - HOW DOES CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND FELLOWSHIP MAKE ME A STRONGER CHRISTIAN?
Read Hebrews 10:19-25, Hebrews 3:12-13, and Galatians 6:1-2

WEDNESDAY 1/26 - IF I AM WHAT I EAT, DO I REALLY BECOME LIKE THOSE WITH WHOM I HANG OUT?
Read Proverbs 13:20 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

THURSDAY 1/27 - HOW CAN I LOVE OTHERS IN A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY LIKE THE CHURCH WNE THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE NOT LIKE ME?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and 1 John 4:7-21

FRIDAY 1/28 - LIVING IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY BUILDS ME UP, BUT WHAT ARE OTHER GOALS OF LIVING IN COMMUNITY?
Read Philippians 1:3-11 and 2:1-4

SATURDAY 1/29 - WHAT CAN GOD DO THROUGH US AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS?
Read Ephesians 3:14-4:6 and Acts 4:31-35

Week 2 - Transformation Journal (January 16-22)

the word on...PRAYER

SUNDAY 1/16 - WHAT ADVICE DID JESUS GIVE ABOUT HOW TO PRAY?
Read Luke 11:1-11 and Matthew 6:5-15

MONDAY 1/17 - HOW LONG DO I NEED TO KEEP PRAYING FOR NEEDS AND REQUESTS?
Read Luke 18:1-8 and Genesis 18:16-33

TUESDAY 1/18 - WHEN I PRAY, WHAT IS MY ULTIMATE GOAL?
Read John 17:1-26 and Matthew 26:36-46

WEDNESDAY 1/19 - WHAT IS THE VALUE OF PRAYING WITH OTHER BELIEVERS?
Read Matthew 18:18-20 and Acts 12:1-19

THURSDAY 1/20 - WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES PRAYING BEFORE MAKING A DECISION REALLY MAKE?
Read Luke 5:12-16, 6:12-19 and 9:18-36

FRIDAY 1/21 - HOW CONFIDENT CAN I BE THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS ANSWER MY PRAYERS?
Read Mark 11:12-24 and James 4:2-10

SATURDAY 1/22 - WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T PRAY?
Read Daniel 4:19-37 and 2 Chronicles 7:14

Healthy Leadership Video

If you are not familiar with the work of the late Edwin Friedman and "family systems theory" - this little video provides a great introduction. These are truths that we can apply at home, at work and at church, and provide an introduction to some of the landmines that await us!! Check it out!!

"Friedman's Theory of Differentiated Leadership Made Simple"

Week 1 - Transformation Journal (January 9-15)

SUNDAY 1/9 - WHAT WAS GOD'S REASON FOR CREATING THE BIBLE?
Read Deuteronomy 8:1-11 and Matthew 4:1-11

MONDAY 1/10 - WHAT CAN HELP ME UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE BETTER?
Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and Psalm 119:1-16

TUESDAY 1/11 - HOW IMPORTANT IS GOD'S WORD, THE BIBLE, TO MY DAILY LIFE?
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17 and James 1:19-25

WEDNESDAY 1/12 - HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE BIBLE?
Read 2 Kings 22:1 - 23:25

THURSDAY 1/13 - WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT AS I STUDY AND APPLY THE BIBLE TO MY LIFE?
Read Mark 4:1-20 and Deuteronomy 30:11-20

FRIDAY 1/14 - WHY DO SOME CHRISTIANS REFER TO THE BIBLE AS THEIR "SWORD"?
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and Hebrews 4:12-13

SATURDAY 1/15 - WHAT DID JESUS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE BIBLE?
Read John 5:36-47 and 2 Timothy 2:15

You can post your comments or questions below. (Note that your question or comment will not appear immediately - as it has to be approved to avoid spam.)

Have We Lost Advent?

Somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost Advent. You may not agree with me, but I think we did. I am realistic enough to believe that it will be next to impossible to retrieve it. But I am sentimental enough to feel a little nostalgic as I read about Advent traditions from the past.

Once upon a time, Christmas was a day of rejoicing and good will. Advent was a four-week season of solemn preparation, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

Nowadays, it really doesn’t matter whether you observe December in a sacred or a secular way. Either way, we have turned December into a nonstop orgy of shopping and feasting.

There is much about the season that I enjoy quite a bit. But I still remain a bit nostalgic, and feel like perhaps we lost something quite valuable.

Could it be that the Lord Jesus has a tear in his eye as he watches over our near-manic reveling? I pray that the observance of Candlelight Communion next week will not be just one more event on your “must-do” list. I will be praying that it might be a time of true reflection and renewal for you and yours.

Someone you know needs the touch of the Master’s Hand desperately. Could you help make that happen? Could you give someone a word of encouragement? Could you invite someone to share in the beauty of Christmas Candlelight? Is there some small deed of love and mercy you could accomplish between now and the end of the year – maybe anonymously – that would cheer the heart of our Lord? Think about these things.

NOV. 21 - A PRAYING CHURCH

As we wind up our series on prayer, I have found many great quotes on prayer from several sources. I hope you enjoy these:

W. GRAHAM SCROGGIE. Without prayer, nothing can be accomplished for God.

MARTIN LUTHER KING. To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.

JOHN BUNYAN. He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find him the rest of
the day.

GEORGE MUELLER. (He was asked how much time he spent praying.) Hours every day. But I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk and when I lie down and when I arise. And the answers are always coming.

MARTIN LUTHER. If I should neglect prayer but a single day, I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith.

CORRIE TEN BOOM. Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?

OSWALD CHAMBERS. Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means for getting something for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.

SAMUEL CHADWICK. The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying.
He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He
laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.

BILLY GRAHAM. It is an insult to God not to take time for prayer. We make time for other things important to us; why not prayer?

CHARLES SWINDOLL. The prayer power of a church is the true measurement of its
spiritual health. The church cannot rise higher than its prayer power.

LEHMAN STRAUSS. It is my humble opinion that a return to the biblical way of praying will bring spiritual power back to our lives and our churches.

A. D. DIXON. When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do, and so on. I am not disposed to undervalue any of these things in their proper place. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do.

LEONARD RAVENHILL. Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray!

S. D. GORDON. The greatest thing anyone can do for God and for man is to pray. The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; or those who say that believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray. These are the people who are doing the most for God; in winning souls; in solving problems; in awakening churches.

JOHN WESLEY. I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.

A Prayer for Veterans Day

A PRAYER FOR VETERANS DAY. We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces. We honor the memories of those who gave their lives in service. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe.

We pray for those who return home with injured bodies and traumatized spirits. Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray.

We ask for an end to wars and the dawning of a new era of peace, as a way to honor all the veterans of past wars. Have mercy on all our veterans from past conflicts. Bring peace to their hearts, and peace to the regions in which they fought. Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combative posts; may their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways.

Give us all the creative vision to see a world which affirms the life of every human being. Hear our prayer, O Prince of Peace, hear our prayer.

(This is adapted from a similar prayer posted by the Franciscan Sisters of Springfield, Illinois.)

Prayer - What Do I Say?

Some of us want to pray, but we aren't sure what to say.

This article by Jerry Webber provides a helpful overview of types of prayer. If you are struggling with "what to say" in prayer, it might be a good time to try a different form of prayer. This article was found on the web site of Chapelwood UMC in Houston.

At its most basic, prayer is communication. Perhaps more accurately, prayer is an act of communion in which we present ourselves to God just as we are. The very words communion and communication denote that there is interaction.

Prayer is not a one-way street, comprised only of what we find to say to God. In fact, God initiates the conversation. In prayer we find ourselves first listening to God, then responding to what God has said to us.

You also might think of prayer as paying attention to God. Having an attitude of alertness to the presence of God, not only in formal periods of prayer or in times of corporate worship, but in the way we live all of life, is a way of prayer that often is neglected. There are those who believe that growth in the life of prayer means enlarging our capacity to pay attention to God in all areas of our lives.

There are any number of ways to pray. Some seem more natural for certain individuals, and other ways seem right to others. And most of us find that as our praying lives evolve through the years so do our own ways of communing with God. Rarely does a person’s prayer remain the same for a lifetime.

Some people, then, gravitate more to intercessory prayer; that is, praying for the needs of others. Such pray-ers bring requests to God for the well-being of others. They intercede on behalf of others.

Other persons feel a first impulse to praise God, bringing their uplifted hearts into the presence of God in adoration.

Still others are drawn to simple conversation with God, bringing their thoughts and actions to God continually.

Then there are those who are drawn to more contemplative prayer forms. These persons find God’s presence most deeply experienced in silence and listening. They prepare themselves to receive from God, using prayer forms such as centering prayer to enter into communion with God.

There are those who use the Scriptures for prayer, hearing in God’s Word an initiating word to which they are then invited to respond. Prayer forms such as lectio divina and meditation on Scripture enable such persons to hear God then respond with their praying lives.

Some use a breath prayer, keeping some short petition (perhaps a phrase from Scripture) on their heart and mind through all the activities of the day.

And there are other forms of prayer, to be sure. The most important thing about prayer is not the form or method you use, but that you do it, that you stick with it, and that you allow God to work in and through your life for his purposes in the world.

Those who are beginning in prayer often find it helpful to pray in the Psalms. The Psalms of the Old Testament are the Bible’s prayer book. They express a full range of human circumstances and emotion. It can be helpful to pray through some Psalms. Note how the pray-ers in the Psalms bring themselves just as they are to God . . . sometimes in praise, sometimes in intercession, sometimes with anger in their hearts, and sometimes in deep need of forgiveness.

Is It Acceptable to Pause Tithing in Tough Financial Times? - article by Dave Ramsey

Is it acceptable to pause tithing in tough financial times?? Dave Ramsey addresses these and other questions in this article:

Dave's Advice on Tithing and Giving (CLICK HERE)

10 Days - 10 Mission Projects - Click each day and contributions are made!

Beginning 10/10/10 - go to this site every day for 10 days and learn about a different mission project.

10 FOLD - 10 Days - 10 Projects - Be Counted!

This 10-Fold event offers opportunities to greatly impact 10 ministries. By visiting this site every day, clicking on the day’s project to trigger a $1 donation on your behalf, and encouraging your friends to do the same, you can bring awareness, prayerful support, and a potential gift of $10,000 to each ministry.

OCT. 10 - "Prayer for People Who Can't Sit Still"

Bill Tenny-Brittain has a new book called "PRAYER FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T SIT STILL."

(To order - CLICK HERE)

Here is a short article based on that book!

Prayer for People Who Can't Sit Still

By: Bill Tenny-Brittian

My wife is a contemplative. I watch her pray and I have to wonder how she does it. Her eyes close, her face gets a serene, contended look on it, and she sits there. And sits there.
She doesn’t move.
She doesn’t speak.
She just sits there listening and communing with God.
For hours.

Then there’s me. I don’t think I’ve sat still to pray for more than five or ten minutes before something distracts me. I hear a door shut and I’m jolted out of my prayers and wonder who came home. The distant sound of an airplane sets me to fantasizing about vacationing. And whenever I get distracted I know my prayer time is over—it’s difficult, if not impossible, to reengage.

I thought I wasn’t spiritual enough. I felt guilty because I wasn’t disciplined enough. So my prayer life was left to short conversations with God throughout the day—a better compromise than quitting prayer altogether. But through it all, I yearned to spend extended times with God. It was something I knew I needed, but I didn’t have any idea how to bring it to fruition. So, I pretty much gave up.

Medical research has suggested that North Americans are suffering from decreasing attention spans. They blame television, information overload, less-than-optimal parenting, and a host of other reasons; however, it may be less important for most of us to wonder why attention spans are dwindling and more important that we face reality. So, if you’re one of us—or if you know someone who is—let me offer a few ideas about prayer that have worked for me and for others who either can’t sit still, or would rather not.

Action Prayer

When you can’t sit still, quiet time prayer can be challenging, so I’ve discovered by putting some action into my prayer time allows me to achieve a measure of reflection and introspection.

One of the most powerful prayer experiences I’ve ever witnessed was an action prayer offered by a twelve-year-old boy during summer camp. The camp was by a lake and the shore was covered by thousands of flat smooth stones—perfect for skipping on the water. Each child choose three stones and found a place along the shore. We gave each a Sharpie marker and asked them to think and pray about what it was in their lives they wanted God to throw out—things like anger, shame, or sickness. Then they wrote on the stone a one- or two-word description. After a few minutes we asked the children to project what they were getting rid of onto the rock and then to throw it into the lake as far as they could.

The scene that unfolded was truly inspirational. Some of the children teared up, others expressed relief. And then there was Teddy. Teddy was from a troubled family and he was a troubled child. He didn’t respond well to direction, and he didn’t often sit still. He gathered his stones with some care and he took seriously the bid to write something he wanted to rid from his life. One of the counselors was near him as he began to write and to hear him cry, “I don’t want to treat my mama like I have been. I want to love my mama.” And then he threw the stone as far into the lake as his twelve-year-old arm could muster. When Teddy finished, he left the prayer time with a new determination to love his mother with his actions, not just his words.

The practice of prayer in action has served me well in exploring and expressing my inner spirit. I walk to a nearby spot where I can throw a rock or two and spend time with God, reflecting on what I need to let go of. If you don’t live near a handy throwing field, there are a number of variations on this theme. For instance, if you’re a golfer, add prayer to your swing next time you’re hitting a bucket of balls on the driving range. And don’t forget the local batting cages where you can step into the batter’s box with a Louisville Slugger for a few prayerful pop-flies.

Prayer Feet

About twenty years ago, if you asked somebody what a labyrinth was, you’d most likely hear something mumbled about David Bowie as the Goblin King in some fantasy movie by that name. However, today you can find a labyrinth in nearly every metropolitan area if you’re willing to look—and most of them you’ll find in churches.

Walking a labyrinth is unlike any other experience I’ve encountered. I heard about labyrinths at a conference and my imagination was fired up. As the pastor of a church with a round sanctuary, I thought a labyrinth would be a perfect addition. It didn’t take much to convince the congregation and we designed and installed the labyrinth with excitement. After nine hours of carpet dying the labyrinth was ready. We dimmed the lights, put on an instrumental CD, and began to pray and walk.

I noticed something almost right away—my mind was quiet and I could walk the labyrinth without having to think about it. I just put one foot in front of the other and followed the path. The more circuits I completed, the more clarity I had in my prayer. By the time I reached the center of the labyrinth I was able to sit on the floor and pray without fidgeting for longer than ever before. I felt centered, at peace, and focused. For the first time in my life I experienced what I could only describe as a contemplative prayer.

Since then, I’ve become addicted to labyrinth walking. When my feet find the path of prayer, my spirit resonates deep within me. However, I no longer have access to a church with a labyrinth, so I did the next best thing. I built my own. Though my yard is nearly postage stamp sized, I designed a ten foot square labyrinth and when the weather cooperates I “build” it using four nails, a roll of twine, a tape measure, and a can of marking paint (see my book Prayer for People Who Can't Sit Still for specific directions). From start to finish, it takes me less than forty-five minutes to go from grassy yard to sacred labyrinth. And though here in Seattle we “officially” get 210 precipitation free days, when I’m willing to wear a jacket and wait for the rains to subside, I can walk my labyrinth almost year round. Regardless of the weather, when I put my feet into prayer, I find myself enfolded in the warmth of the Spirit.

Pray in Print

Whenever I attend worship and the pastor says, “Let us pray,” I know as I bow my head and close my eyes I’ll be zoned out from the prayer in short order. I’ve found the solution to the problem is choosing not to sit still—at least, not completely still. Today, whenever I attend worship, I take a pen and my journal with me. Then, when the pastoral prayer time comes, I know it’s my cue to open my journal and begin to pray in print.

When I use my journal to pray, I use it as if it were stationary and I’m writing a letter. Journaling a letter to God is like writing a letter to a friend, except it doesn’t take a stamp or an email address. To journal a letter to God, begin as if you were writing any other letter: “Dear God.” Now, most of the time when we write a letter, we spend an inordinate amount of space on small talk. However, if you’re going to write a letter to God during the pastoral prayer, get right to the point—you don’t have that much time! Whether you’re going to God for a favor, a blessing, or some request, don’t spend a lot of time mincing words.

When I write my prayers, I’m brutally honest with God. When my life is in a dark place, I get real with my feelings and fears—it’s not like God doesn’t already know what’s on my heart. I’ve learned that whenever my prayers aren’t absolutely honest they ring hollow and I’m left unsatisfied, as if my prayer time was empty. However, when I’m willing to be completely honest, even if when my honesty seems not-so-nice (see Psalm 109 for an example), God honors my time and I go away thoughtful and fulfilled.

If you have trouble sitting still for prayer, you’re not alone. There are millions of us here in North America. Though this is but a small sample of the opportunities for praying in motion, hopefully there are enough to whet your appetite and get you started. So whether you’re like me and can’t sit still, or if you just want to bolster your prayer time, you can have the prayer life you desire if you’re willing to get up and move.


For more articles like this, you can sign up for the e-magazine ON TRACK - go to this link: ON TRACK

OCT. 3 - Communion

To go a little deeper, check out these in-depth statements on Communion:

THIS HOLY MYSTERY: A UNITED METHODIST UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNION (adopted 2004)

BAPTISM, EUCHARIST AND MINISTRY (World Council of Churches, 1982 - this resource covers teaching on Communion from various Christian points of view)


For the October 3 message, we used a little True-False "test," and you may have been surprised by some of the answers:

The Bible teaches the value of taking Communion once a month.
FALSE - this is a frequent Methodist custom, but neither is it a requirement nor is it based in a Biblical teaching.

Communion is primarily a time to think about what Jesus has done for us.
FALSE - because we believe Communion is a Sacrament, we know the power of Communion goes far beyond simply what we (as humans) can think about. (Thinking about Christ's gift is, however, indeed a good thing to do!)

The bread and cup are only symbols of the body and blood of Jesus.
FALSE - again because Communion is a sacrament, we believe the bread and cup are more than symbols. Symbols simply remind us of something else that has meaning or power. We believe the power of Christ and the Spirit is indeed present in the taking of Communion.

There may be times when it is appropriate to refrain from taking Communion.
TRUE - 1 Corinthians 11 suggests we examine ourselves before taking Communion, and also warns us against receiving the bread and cup in an unworthy manner. This does not mean that WE have to be "worthy" to take Communion - none of us "deserve" our place at the table. Methodists also place a high value on open Communion, where all are welcome at the table of the Lord who would respond in faith (regardless of church background or membership).

The literal substance of the bread and grape juice is transformed during the Communion service.
FALSE - Like many Protestant churches, Methodists do teach that mystical transformation does take place in Communion, but that this is not done in a literal sense to the substance of bread and juice.


The richness of Communion is made clear in the document THIS HOLY MYSTERY - where we see six powerful Scriptural images that are present at the holy table:

Thanksgiving (Acts 2:42-47)

Fellowship (1 Corinthians 10:17)

Remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)

Sacrifice (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5)

Holy Spirit (John 14:26)

Heavenly Banquet (Matthew 26:29)


Here are the words to the Charles Wesley hymn we looked at as a resource on Communion:

O the depth of love divine, the unfathomable grace!
Who shall say how bread and wine God into us conveys!
How the bread his flesh imparts, how the wine transmits his blood,
Fills his faithful people’s hearts with all the life of God!

Let the wisest mortals show how we the grace receive;
Feeble elements bestow a power not theirs to give.
Who explains the wondrous way, how through these the virtue came?
These the virtue did convey, yet still remain the same.

How can spirits heavenward rise, by earthly matter fed,
Drink here with divine supplies and eat immortal bread?
Ask the Father’s wisdom how: Christ who did the means ordain;
Angels round our altars bow to search it out, in vain.

Sure and real is the grace, the manner be unknown;
Only meet us in thy ways and perfect us in one.
Let us taste the heavenly powers, Lord, we ask for nothing more.
Thine to bless, ‘tis only ours to wonder and adore.