Genesis 1:26-31, 3, 9:1
Creator God,
I just held new life in my arms. My grand child is beautiful. Life, hope, and potential await, opportune and inviting. I thank You for the joy and beauty of a brand new life. Thank You that I can feel, touch, and love this little one.
As I look upon my grand child, I try to imagine whom he looks like. I look for family features, hair, chin, eyes, nose, and ears. I look for both mother and father in my grand child’s face. I think about the generations of our family. I ponder salvation, transformation, a trajectory of hope, and I pray that it will continue in this little one and his progeny.
I think about Your gift of creation and new life. I am in awesome wonder at the miracle of sex, conception, pregnancy, and child birth. I am amazed as I ponder the crowning glory of Your creative work–humanity. Your creative Word proclaimed “Let us make man in our image.” The image of God imprinted upon humanity in Creation persists in each new baby born into Your world. This precious little one I hold in my arms is a carrier of Your image!
I ponder the far-reaching effects of the Fall. I pray for my grand child’s battle with sin and temptation. What about inherited sin in this child’s life? Grant this little one victory over the faults of moral character that have become his spiritual inheritance. May this child grow to allow Your image to dispel the spiritual inheritance of the Fall. I pray for salvation and a life well-lived for You.
I think about the world my grand child will inhabit, its sin, its brokenness, and the challenges this little one will soon face. Temptations will assault this child. Protect, defend, nurture and draw this little one toward You.
I think about the legacy of grace that You introduced to our family generations ago. I pray that this precious child will early come to faith in You, and live a life of worth, value, faith and blessing that counts for Eternity. May this little one be a link in an unbroken chain of grace, hope, and faith that will bless future generations of our family line with a spiritual inheritance.
Lord God, may Your blessing, Presence, and grace protect, prosper, and defend this little one. May my grand child grow up to love and serve You with a whole and eager heart. I pray not for wealth, power, prestige, or greatness, but for a life well-lived for You. May this child advance Your name and reputation through our family line for Your glory and praise.
In the Name of our faithful Creator God,
Amen.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Charles Spurgeon on Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Charles Spurgeon wrote: “Do you see that the Lord's promises have many fulfillments? They are waiting now to pour their treasures into the lap of those who pray. God is willing to repeat the biographies of His saints in us. He is waiting to be gracious and to load us with His benefits (Psalm 68:19 KJV). Does this not lift prayer up to a high level?”
Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon on Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon on Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Whom do I fear?
Psalm 27, 56:1-7, Proverbs 29:25, Luke 12:4-5, II Corinthians 1:3-6
Dear God,
I am afraid. Repeatedly, Your Word tells me to “fear not.” Repeatedly, You speak comfort and hope to me in the middle of my fears. Thank You for loving me even when I am afraid. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
I fear confrontation with angry people. I fear failure. I fear hurting or displeasing others. You tell me not to fear people. You even tell me that if I fear people, I trap myself in snares that prevent me from living my life to the maximum. I fear the wrong thing! Such a fear minimizes and distracts me from fearing the right things! “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
You tell me not to fear my enemies. You fight my battles for me. You vindicate Your saints. I need Your angel armies right now. The battle is too big for me. I tremble with fear. Hurry up! “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
You tell me not to fear Satan, the tempter and destroyer. He attacks as an archer, a crouching and roaring lion, and as an angel of light. Grant me discernment to recognize his attacks. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
You tell me that I must trust You with a holy, reverential awe that You call “fear.” This sort of fear reminds me of the fear I have toward my earthly father. I don’t want to disappoint Dad. I don’t want to mar the name Dad gave me–his name. I want to honor Dad and create a legacy that tells the story of Dad’s greatness, righteousness, holiness, honor, love, and leadership. Heavenly Father, I reverence You.
The sort of fear that You command me to give You is more than a fear of momentary disappointment or discipline. This fear is a “big picture” fear. It is a fear of a life poorly lived. It is a fear of wasting my life on things You judge as worthless. This reverential fear will draw me to worship You with more than a moment of guilt-induced remorse or externally stimulated euphoria. Reverential awe will be the fuel in my engine of desire to live a life pleasing to You. Reverential awe motivates me to build a life that You value. I fear Your judging my life as inconsequential in light of eternity. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
I want to live a life which You deem as consequential. I will invest my time and energy in souls, Your Kingdom, preparing my family to meet You and to spend eternity in heaven. Accept my fear as an act of reverential awe, worship, and trust in You!
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You,” the God of all comfort,
Amen.
Dear God,
I am afraid. Repeatedly, Your Word tells me to “fear not.” Repeatedly, You speak comfort and hope to me in the middle of my fears. Thank You for loving me even when I am afraid. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
I fear confrontation with angry people. I fear failure. I fear hurting or displeasing others. You tell me not to fear people. You even tell me that if I fear people, I trap myself in snares that prevent me from living my life to the maximum. I fear the wrong thing! Such a fear minimizes and distracts me from fearing the right things! “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
You tell me not to fear my enemies. You fight my battles for me. You vindicate Your saints. I need Your angel armies right now. The battle is too big for me. I tremble with fear. Hurry up! “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
You tell me not to fear Satan, the tempter and destroyer. He attacks as an archer, a crouching and roaring lion, and as an angel of light. Grant me discernment to recognize his attacks. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
You tell me that I must trust You with a holy, reverential awe that You call “fear.” This sort of fear reminds me of the fear I have toward my earthly father. I don’t want to disappoint Dad. I don’t want to mar the name Dad gave me–his name. I want to honor Dad and create a legacy that tells the story of Dad’s greatness, righteousness, holiness, honor, love, and leadership. Heavenly Father, I reverence You.
The sort of fear that You command me to give You is more than a fear of momentary disappointment or discipline. This fear is a “big picture” fear. It is a fear of a life poorly lived. It is a fear of wasting my life on things You judge as worthless. This reverential fear will draw me to worship You with more than a moment of guilt-induced remorse or externally stimulated euphoria. Reverential awe will be the fuel in my engine of desire to live a life pleasing to You. Reverential awe motivates me to build a life that You value. I fear Your judging my life as inconsequential in light of eternity. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
I want to live a life which You deem as consequential. I will invest my time and energy in souls, Your Kingdom, preparing my family to meet You and to spend eternity in heaven. Accept my fear as an act of reverential awe, worship, and trust in You!
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You,” the God of all comfort,
Amen.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Is Bin Laden Winning?
Repeatedly Osama bin Laden seems to resurrect from the dead and win another battle for Islam. When bin Laden and his terrorist ilk attacked the United States of America on 9-11, his attack upon American soil resounded throughout the media, our culture, and our world. Bin Laden’s stated goal in his attack was to bring Islam to the infidels.
In the early days after the 9-11 attack, the red, white, and blue sleeping giant stirred, put its sons and daughters into harm’s way, and pushed back. Ever paranoid of labeling an entire religion as evil, we balanced our military assault on our attackers with incorporating Islamic teaching in our schools, bringing Islamic religious centers to our communities. At our best, we Americans seem to be under the impression that if we will only understand Islam, we will no longer be a target of the bitter vitriol of its more radical elements. Our egalitarian drive toward fairness insists upon distinguishing between violent Islam and peaceful Islam. At our worst, we Americans seem to embrace a masochistic self-loathing concerning those who have professed and proclaimed their agenda of destruction!
The Sunday after 9-11, churches were packed. Christians fled to their God for comfort, refuge, and answers. But in the years that have followed, America has followed a deliberate path of capitulation to Islam. Public schools have embraced Islamic instruction, while rejecting Christian teaching. Cities and towns have created ordinances and taken action designed to increase tolerance toward Islam. Sharia law has been entertained and even referenced in legal decisions from the bench.
Is bin Laden winning?
Duke University’s plan to host Islamic call to prayers from its campus chapel bell tower was quickly abandoned in January, 2015 when major donors threatened to pull their support. However, the lunacy of leadership to pursue such a path in a United Methodist Church university seems to follow the pattern of self-destruction pursued by the post-modern promoters of the dogma of tolerance. Tolerance is cheered as the path to world peace, but it has dragged Duke University, much of the church, and our nation to the brink of the nihilistic leap off the cliff of self-destruction into the morass of meaninglessness.
But what if Islam really is the enemy? What if our attempts at inclusiveness, understanding, and opportunity toward Islam are fundamentally flawed? What if the god of Islam really is a spiritual force for darkness, ruin, and destruction–not peace? What if Islam’s goal really is the total destruction of the freedoms and liberties which have been the hallmark of the American experience? What if Islam and its god really are the enemy–the great Satan?
Is bin Laden wining?
In the early days after the 9-11 attack, the red, white, and blue sleeping giant stirred, put its sons and daughters into harm’s way, and pushed back. Ever paranoid of labeling an entire religion as evil, we balanced our military assault on our attackers with incorporating Islamic teaching in our schools, bringing Islamic religious centers to our communities. At our best, we Americans seem to be under the impression that if we will only understand Islam, we will no longer be a target of the bitter vitriol of its more radical elements. Our egalitarian drive toward fairness insists upon distinguishing between violent Islam and peaceful Islam. At our worst, we Americans seem to embrace a masochistic self-loathing concerning those who have professed and proclaimed their agenda of destruction!
The Sunday after 9-11, churches were packed. Christians fled to their God for comfort, refuge, and answers. But in the years that have followed, America has followed a deliberate path of capitulation to Islam. Public schools have embraced Islamic instruction, while rejecting Christian teaching. Cities and towns have created ordinances and taken action designed to increase tolerance toward Islam. Sharia law has been entertained and even referenced in legal decisions from the bench.
Is bin Laden winning?
Duke University’s plan to host Islamic call to prayers from its campus chapel bell tower was quickly abandoned in January, 2015 when major donors threatened to pull their support. However, the lunacy of leadership to pursue such a path in a United Methodist Church university seems to follow the pattern of self-destruction pursued by the post-modern promoters of the dogma of tolerance. Tolerance is cheered as the path to world peace, but it has dragged Duke University, much of the church, and our nation to the brink of the nihilistic leap off the cliff of self-destruction into the morass of meaninglessness.
But what if Islam really is the enemy? What if our attempts at inclusiveness, understanding, and opportunity toward Islam are fundamentally flawed? What if the god of Islam really is a spiritual force for darkness, ruin, and destruction–not peace? What if Islam’s goal really is the total destruction of the freedoms and liberties which have been the hallmark of the American experience? What if Islam and its god really are the enemy–the great Satan?
Is bin Laden wining?
A SLAVE’S SONG
by John E. Neihof, Jr.
May 30, 2006
May 30, 2006
I once was a slave to sin, enchained without and within.
My bondage was great, make no mistake, I was lost in sin and shame.
My darkness turned to despair–I found no hope there.
Jesus came by and He heard my sad cry, and He answered my prayer.
My newfound joy was such; I love Jesus so much!
I praised His dear name and I shared the same with my friends at home and church.
But then some despair, I sensed something there–
A double-mind, and inward bind, a conflict was at work.
I struggled with this divide. I needed Christ’s new mind.
I saw in the Word hope for my need; the Spirit in fulness could come.
He called me to give my all in answer to His call.
I surrendered my part, He cleansed my heart, and the Holy Ghost did fall.
No longer a slave to sin. I said, “Jesus, come in.”
He saved my soul and He made me whole–No longer a slave to sin.
He asked me to be His love slave. My all to Him I then gave.
Surrender complete. His Presence is sweet. I’ll be a love slave to Him.
I’ll be a love slave to Him.
I’ll be a love slave to Him.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Mourning our Sin
I am challenged by Matthew 5:4 today. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."
William Barclay describes potential mourners that Jesus may be describing. First, He may be describing "the man who has endured the bitterest sorrow that life can bring." Second, He may be describing "those who are desperately sorry for the sorrow and the suffering of this world... Blessed is the man who cares intensely for the sufferings, and for the sorrows, and for the needs of others."
Barclay acknowledges that this Beatitude of Jesus certainly allows for both of the above thoughts. However, he indicates that there is a third thought that is especially implicit within the Beatitude. "Blessed is the man who is desperateley sorry for his own sin and his own unworthiness."
Surely, this third perspective captures a spirit of repentance.
Barclay says: "As we look at the Cross, we are bound to say, 'That is what sin can do. Sin can take the loveliest life in all the world and smash it on a a Cross.' One of the great function of the Cross is to open the eyes of men and women to the horror of sin. And when a man sees sin in all its horror he cannot do anything else but experience this intense sorrow for his sin."
Barclay concludes: "Christianity begins with a sense of sin."
I cannot help but consider the words of Charles Wesley:
William Barclay describes potential mourners that Jesus may be describing. First, He may be describing "the man who has endured the bitterest sorrow that life can bring." Second, He may be describing "those who are desperately sorry for the sorrow and the suffering of this world... Blessed is the man who cares intensely for the sufferings, and for the sorrows, and for the needs of others."
Barclay acknowledges that this Beatitude of Jesus certainly allows for both of the above thoughts. However, he indicates that there is a third thought that is especially implicit within the Beatitude. "Blessed is the man who is desperateley sorry for his own sin and his own unworthiness."
Surely, this third perspective captures a spirit of repentance.
Barclay says: "As we look at the Cross, we are bound to say, 'That is what sin can do. Sin can take the loveliest life in all the world and smash it on a a Cross.' One of the great function of the Cross is to open the eyes of men and women to the horror of sin. And when a man sees sin in all its horror he cannot do anything else but experience this intense sorrow for his sin."
Barclay concludes: "Christianity begins with a sense of sin."
I cannot help but consider the words of Charles Wesley:
I want a principle within
Of watchful, godly fear,
A sensibility of sin,
A pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel
Of pride or wrong desire,
To catch the wand’ring of my will,
And quench the kindling fire.
You Won’t Believe What I Saw at the Mall!
I Peter 2:9-12
Oh God!
I just saw the most bizarre people, clothing, and fashion! I couldn’t stop staring! Thankfully I didn’t point! But my experience set me to thinking about our very deep-seated human need to answer questions. Who am I? Who am I in You? My parents have sought to define me. My siblings have sought to define me. My community, schools, church, and workplace cast me into a role which I am to play.
I remember when I moved. I found myself talking about “going home,” while referring to two different places simultaneously! I was struggling with identifying where I was from. As time passed, my identity was shaped by place and home. It takes time to shape a new identity.
Thank You for being patient with me as You shape identity in me. Life-giving salvation happens in a moment by Your grace through my faith, but it takes time to learn what it means to be “in Christ,” to identify myself with Jesus, the Church, and righteousness. Help me to find my identity in You so that the world will identify me as Yours.
You called the Hebrew people out of pagan Egypt in order to separate them to Yourself. You called them from the paganism, immorality, heathen practice, fear, idolatry and superstition that dominated Egyptian civilization, worship, and life. You called them to the worship and service of the true and living God. You told them: “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). The Hebrews had an identity shaped by nearly 400 years as slaves. In their thoughts, emotions, and identity, they were still slaves. You called them to Yourself.
You open the New Covenant to all people. You welcome Gentiles. You include even me in the hope of a new identity. Our Identity is in Christ! What a thrilling Identity!
When I see others’ bizarre attempts at fitting in and establishing identity, I chuckle. Youth fashion, clothing, music, entertainment, body alterations, customized cars... A quest for identity in some reference point outside ourselves. Do my attempts at belonging make You laugh? Help me not to miss the fact that You created me to find my identity in a reference point outside myself–You. “We were made for Thee, and we cannot rest until we rest in Thee” (St.Augustine).
So You keep probing, questioning: “Do you know who you are?” The question is not to create insecurity, but to keep drawing us to relationship with the Point of Reference–Our Creator–You. Thank You for Your persistent pursuit. Define me. Teach me who I can be in You.
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Oh God!
I just saw the most bizarre people, clothing, and fashion! I couldn’t stop staring! Thankfully I didn’t point! But my experience set me to thinking about our very deep-seated human need to answer questions. Who am I? Who am I in You? My parents have sought to define me. My siblings have sought to define me. My community, schools, church, and workplace cast me into a role which I am to play.
I remember when I moved. I found myself talking about “going home,” while referring to two different places simultaneously! I was struggling with identifying where I was from. As time passed, my identity was shaped by place and home. It takes time to shape a new identity.
Thank You for being patient with me as You shape identity in me. Life-giving salvation happens in a moment by Your grace through my faith, but it takes time to learn what it means to be “in Christ,” to identify myself with Jesus, the Church, and righteousness. Help me to find my identity in You so that the world will identify me as Yours.
You called the Hebrew people out of pagan Egypt in order to separate them to Yourself. You called them from the paganism, immorality, heathen practice, fear, idolatry and superstition that dominated Egyptian civilization, worship, and life. You called them to the worship and service of the true and living God. You told them: “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). The Hebrews had an identity shaped by nearly 400 years as slaves. In their thoughts, emotions, and identity, they were still slaves. You called them to Yourself.
You open the New Covenant to all people. You welcome Gentiles. You include even me in the hope of a new identity. Our Identity is in Christ! What a thrilling Identity!
When I see others’ bizarre attempts at fitting in and establishing identity, I chuckle. Youth fashion, clothing, music, entertainment, body alterations, customized cars... A quest for identity in some reference point outside ourselves. Do my attempts at belonging make You laugh? Help me not to miss the fact that You created me to find my identity in a reference point outside myself–You. “We were made for Thee, and we cannot rest until we rest in Thee” (St.Augustine).
So You keep probing, questioning: “Do you know who you are?” The question is not to create insecurity, but to keep drawing us to relationship with the Point of Reference–Our Creator–You. Thank You for Your persistent pursuit. Define me. Teach me who I can be in You.
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Loyalty
Joshua 24:15-31
Dear God,
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You. Just as Joshua chose for himself and his family, I choose You. I dedicate myself to You. I will love everything You love, and hate everything You hate.
Competing voices clamor for my loyalty. Advertisers spend millions of dollars trying to construct a public perception of a product. They attach beauty, sex appeal, status, prestige, and celebrity to products as they socially construct value. Marketing magnates promote, sell, and praise the products, in a quest to create brand loyalty. They convince the masses that life apart from the designated brand is somehow incomplete, empty, and aimless. The consuming, covetous populace is caught in spiraling dissatisfaction with life apart from this valued product. As peers acquire the cherished brand, dissatisfaction only mounts, until the object of desire is possessed. The black hole of desire, stirred by ubiquitous images of greed is never satisfied.
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You.
The doctrines of the age scream their propaganda, appealing to converts and devotees. Postmodern tolerance touts its version of relativism with an “I’m okay–You’re okay” sentiment. Tolerance preaches its doctrines declaring faith in nothing. Nothing is right, except tolerance. Nothing is wrong, except opposing tolerance. Meaningless. Darkness. Encroaching nihilism. Loyalty? Not to emptiness. I cannot live like that. You don’t want me to live like that.
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You.
People pull at me from every direction. Flattery, bullying, persuasion, emotional manipulation, intimidation. I have seen and felt it all. I want to be loyal and faithful to others. I want to be truthful, straightforward, open, and transparent. But sometimes, in the interest of loyalty, I have to keep things secreted away in my soul. I cannot share everything that I think I know. I cannot expose my soul to a public tug of war.
Oh, God, in the midst of life that pulls me from every angle, help me to be faithful and loyal to You. I love You. I need You. I trust You. I depend upon You. Help me. Strengthen me to resist the clamor. Steer me into Your heart.
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You, Holy Father, Saving Son, Sanctifying Spirit,
Amen.
Dear God,
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You. Just as Joshua chose for himself and his family, I choose You. I dedicate myself to You. I will love everything You love, and hate everything You hate.
Competing voices clamor for my loyalty. Advertisers spend millions of dollars trying to construct a public perception of a product. They attach beauty, sex appeal, status, prestige, and celebrity to products as they socially construct value. Marketing magnates promote, sell, and praise the products, in a quest to create brand loyalty. They convince the masses that life apart from the designated brand is somehow incomplete, empty, and aimless. The consuming, covetous populace is caught in spiraling dissatisfaction with life apart from this valued product. As peers acquire the cherished brand, dissatisfaction only mounts, until the object of desire is possessed. The black hole of desire, stirred by ubiquitous images of greed is never satisfied.
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You.
The doctrines of the age scream their propaganda, appealing to converts and devotees. Postmodern tolerance touts its version of relativism with an “I’m okay–You’re okay” sentiment. Tolerance preaches its doctrines declaring faith in nothing. Nothing is right, except tolerance. Nothing is wrong, except opposing tolerance. Meaningless. Darkness. Encroaching nihilism. Loyalty? Not to emptiness. I cannot live like that. You don’t want me to live like that.
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You.
People pull at me from every direction. Flattery, bullying, persuasion, emotional manipulation, intimidation. I have seen and felt it all. I want to be loyal and faithful to others. I want to be truthful, straightforward, open, and transparent. But sometimes, in the interest of loyalty, I have to keep things secreted away in my soul. I cannot share everything that I think I know. I cannot expose my soul to a public tug of war.
Oh, God, in the midst of life that pulls me from every angle, help me to be faithful and loyal to You. I love You. I need You. I trust You. I depend upon You. Help me. Strengthen me to resist the clamor. Steer me into Your heart.
I choose loyalty and fidelity to You, Holy Father, Saving Son, Sanctifying Spirit,
Amen.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Troubles?
From Sarah Young's devotional Jesus Calling (January 26)
"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties... Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven... My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark... I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way."
Lord Jesus,
I am afflicted with the disease of problem-solving! I try to fix things! I get angry and frustrated when I cannot correct problems. I feel like I have failed.
How arrogant! Teach me to surrender my problems to You. Teach me to let go! I want to WORK things to pass, and You want me to TRUST things to pass!
Here I am again at the tension between the ideas of faith and works. Believe God and work hard! So often we tend to pit these ideas against each other as if they were polar opposites, but that cannot be true, can it?
I choose to trust You. I choose to believe You. I choose to embrace the problems of life. I choose to accept their reality. I will be cling to You. I will work for You. I will obey Your call to be Your hands and feet. I ask one thing in this regard. Define me by my trusting You, not by my hard work. Protect me from delusions that I accomplish anything apart from total dependence and surrender to You.
I consecrate myself, my work, my trust to You afresh today.
Thank You.
Amen
"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties... Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven... My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark... I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way."
Lord Jesus,
I am afflicted with the disease of problem-solving! I try to fix things! I get angry and frustrated when I cannot correct problems. I feel like I have failed.
How arrogant! Teach me to surrender my problems to You. Teach me to let go! I want to WORK things to pass, and You want me to TRUST things to pass!
Here I am again at the tension between the ideas of faith and works. Believe God and work hard! So often we tend to pit these ideas against each other as if they were polar opposites, but that cannot be true, can it?
I choose to trust You. I choose to believe You. I choose to embrace the problems of life. I choose to accept their reality. I will be cling to You. I will work for You. I will obey Your call to be Your hands and feet. I ask one thing in this regard. Define me by my trusting You, not by my hard work. Protect me from delusions that I accomplish anything apart from total dependence and surrender to You.
I consecrate myself, my work, my trust to You afresh today.
Thank You.
Amen
The Active Christ
Matthew 4:23-25
My Lord Jesus Christ,
You are ever active and acting. Your earthly ministry started with action. You turned the water into wine at a wedding feast. Your actions confessed that You believe in marriage! You proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom to growing audiences. You healed the sick from various diseases. You cured pain. You cast out demons. You healed epileptics. You gave strength to the paralyzed. Your youthful vigor, enthusiasm, passion, love, and mercy flowed from you with dynamic energy and action.
William Barclay captures your actions like this. You “came proclaiming the gospel... to defeat men’s ignorance.” You “came teaching in the synagogues... to defeat man’s misunderstandings.” And you “came healing all those who had need of healing... to defeat man’s pain” (Barclay on the Gospel According to Matthew, vol. 1, p. 77).
Ignorance, misunderstanding, and pain. I can certainly provide You with all three, wrapped up in the simple package of my life.
I know ignorance. There is so much I do not know about You, about life, death, and what happens to me after I die. I am ignorant about the big questions that matter. I believe what You teach me in Your Word, but confess my ignorance to You.
I am filled with misunderstanding. Not only do I misunderstand You, Your messages to me, even Your written Word recorded in sacred scripture, but also I struggle to understand others. Conflict arises from misunderstandings in my life and relationships with others. Misunderstandings between good people crop up in my family relationships, my workplace, my neighborhood, and even at church.
I know pain. Disease and illness, life-threatening and fleeting plague my experience. My friends are struggling with pain, injury, sickness, and death. Every time we share prayer concerns, physical issues top the list. We live with pain.
Your teaching, preaching, and healing are aimed at addressing the very real issues with which I grapple in my life. You came to earth as the Son of God made flesh–completely God and completely human. You empathize with my life. You understand. And You act! Thank you.
I want to be like You. I want to be active and acting for You and for Your glory.
In the Name of my very active Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
My Lord Jesus Christ,
You are ever active and acting. Your earthly ministry started with action. You turned the water into wine at a wedding feast. Your actions confessed that You believe in marriage! You proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom to growing audiences. You healed the sick from various diseases. You cured pain. You cast out demons. You healed epileptics. You gave strength to the paralyzed. Your youthful vigor, enthusiasm, passion, love, and mercy flowed from you with dynamic energy and action.
William Barclay captures your actions like this. You “came proclaiming the gospel... to defeat men’s ignorance.” You “came teaching in the synagogues... to defeat man’s misunderstandings.” And you “came healing all those who had need of healing... to defeat man’s pain” (Barclay on the Gospel According to Matthew, vol. 1, p. 77).
Ignorance, misunderstanding, and pain. I can certainly provide You with all three, wrapped up in the simple package of my life.
I know ignorance. There is so much I do not know about You, about life, death, and what happens to me after I die. I am ignorant about the big questions that matter. I believe what You teach me in Your Word, but confess my ignorance to You.
I am filled with misunderstanding. Not only do I misunderstand You, Your messages to me, even Your written Word recorded in sacred scripture, but also I struggle to understand others. Conflict arises from misunderstandings in my life and relationships with others. Misunderstandings between good people crop up in my family relationships, my workplace, my neighborhood, and even at church.
I know pain. Disease and illness, life-threatening and fleeting plague my experience. My friends are struggling with pain, injury, sickness, and death. Every time we share prayer concerns, physical issues top the list. We live with pain.
Your teaching, preaching, and healing are aimed at addressing the very real issues with which I grapple in my life. You came to earth as the Son of God made flesh–completely God and completely human. You empathize with my life. You understand. And You act! Thank you.
I want to be like You. I want to be active and acting for You and for Your glory.
In the Name of my very active Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
It’s Okay to Fail
Psalm 51, I John 3:19-21
Dear God,
People tell me that it’s okay to fail, but it doesn’t feel okay. I feel sad. I feel as if I have let others down. I feel as if I have let myself down. I don’t like this feeling. Mistakes. Blunders. Errors. Failures.
I suppose this failure, if you can call it that, has been building for months. My decisions sometimes disappoint and anger other people. Would I change those decisions if I could redo them? I don’t know. I cannot second guess that right now. But I do know that I am sad. I feel like I am a disappointment to others who depend upon me. I feel as if I failed. People tell me that it’s okay to fail. It doesn’t feel okay.
Have I failed You? Probably not? I sense no condemnation from You. But if I have, will You please forgive me? I love You. I need You.
What’s that? Have I ever thought about all of the great people who have emerged from failure? Okay. Teach me.
Adam and Eve emerged from epic failure to establish the human race! Noah got drunk after he rescued humanity from the great flood. Abraham’s failures are well-documented: lying, sex with the wrong woman, almost killing his son. King David failed. Murder, deception, sexual immorality, illegitimacy. Failure. Sin.
I guess I am in pretty good company. I still don’t have to like it, do I? So, what’s the point? Do You still love me? Accept me? Can You still use me? I feel like an epic failure. I don’t like this at all.
It has been said that “Failure doesn’t have to be final..:” “Fail forward...” Cliche.
I hear you now. “Trust me...” Truth. Rest. Whispering hope. Whisper it louder. I need You right now.
Amen.
Dear God,
People tell me that it’s okay to fail, but it doesn’t feel okay. I feel sad. I feel as if I have let others down. I feel as if I have let myself down. I don’t like this feeling. Mistakes. Blunders. Errors. Failures.
I suppose this failure, if you can call it that, has been building for months. My decisions sometimes disappoint and anger other people. Would I change those decisions if I could redo them? I don’t know. I cannot second guess that right now. But I do know that I am sad. I feel like I am a disappointment to others who depend upon me. I feel as if I failed. People tell me that it’s okay to fail. It doesn’t feel okay.
Have I failed You? Probably not? I sense no condemnation from You. But if I have, will You please forgive me? I love You. I need You.
What’s that? Have I ever thought about all of the great people who have emerged from failure? Okay. Teach me.
Adam and Eve emerged from epic failure to establish the human race! Noah got drunk after he rescued humanity from the great flood. Abraham’s failures are well-documented: lying, sex with the wrong woman, almost killing his son. King David failed. Murder, deception, sexual immorality, illegitimacy. Failure. Sin.
I guess I am in pretty good company. I still don’t have to like it, do I? So, what’s the point? Do You still love me? Accept me? Can You still use me? I feel like an epic failure. I don’t like this at all.
It has been said that “Failure doesn’t have to be final..:” “Fail forward...” Cliche.
I hear you now. “Trust me...” Truth. Rest. Whispering hope. Whisper it louder. I need You right now.
Amen.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
God of the Impossible
Genesis 17:15-18:15, 50:20, Psalm 136, Joshua 1:5-7, Daniel 6, Matthew 19:26
Dear God,
Impossibilities loom like mountains in the distance. Sometimes, I feel like I am lost in mountains of impossibility. You are no stranger to apparent impossibility. You are the God of the impossible.
You promised Abraham and Sarah a son. They did everything they could to manipulate the process. You had to perform a miracle and open the childless womb of a ninety year old woman. You are God of the impossible.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Imprisonment, interpretations of dreams, and subsequent prophecy revealed his character. You took a series of events that had been intended for evil, and brought beauty and good out of them. You are God of the impossible.
Moses faced the impossibility of the Red Sea. The looming sea in his path and Pharaoh’s encroaching forces to the rear created an impossible situation; but You are God of the impossible.
Joshua faced the impossibility of the Jordan River. The flooded Jordan, some priests carrying the ark of the Covenant, the Hebrew people, an inviting Canaan, and a God of promise triumphed over the apparently impossible. You are God of the impossible.
An aged Daniel, prayer warrior and Godly leader, faced an impossible decree seeking to bar him from prayers to You. Condemned to the lion’s den, You shut their mouths and an unharmed Daniel emerged to Your praise and Glory. You are God of the impossible.
If You are the God of the impossible for these, surely You are the God of the impossible for me today. I have worked, prayed, trusted, and sought to take the path of obedience to which You directed me. I have seen miracles along the way, for which I praise You, but today, the mountains of impossibility are looming largely. I feel lost and trapped in impossibility.
I need a miracle from You. You said, “With me this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” I need the God of the impossible to show up.
I love You. I trust You. I believe You.
Amen.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Torn
Psalm 27:8, 2 Corinthians 10:4
Dear God,
The responsibilities of leadership tug at me from a host of directions. Pressures from board members, the executive team, employees, and constituents advancing their own priorities and perspectives pull me. Protect me from the false flattery of pandering to special interest.
Often, I feel torn and pulled. One special interest group pleads for a hard line. Another appeals to mercy and generosity. A third asks, “What will people think?” “How will it look?”
I find myself wanting to create a centered, reasoned response that accounts for the concerns from each constituency I am serving. I know that compromise is not necessarily a dirty word., but my desire transcends pleasing people. Help me to compromise on methods, and to be unshakeable on mission and message.
Center me in You. Help me to stay on the cross, crucified with Christ. Prevent me from being deceived into thinking that leadership is about me. Protect me from self-serving and self-saving. All too quickly, a discussion of ideas can deteriorate into a battle of personalities. Preserve me from being deceived into implementing carnal weapons to advance a spiritual cause. Purge me that my motives are filled with You, and cleansed of advancing myself.
Grant me a bravery of leadership that has a clear eye and a laser-like focus. I want to see the goal You have for my organization and to lead the team with crystalline direction. Grant me a vision that clearly sees the end result that You want. Inspire within me the strength and methods to advance Your vision. Help me to stick with that! I don’t want to be swayed by opinions, words, approval, or disapproval of others. Strengthen the resolve of my will to pursue the vision that You have impressed upon me, without straying or varying from the clarion call of Your Spirit.
I want to live a transparent life with a sincere character. I want to walk with You led by a clear moral compass of conscience, informed by Your Word, sensitized by the Holy Spirit. Slay any selfish motivation in me that would infect Your vision with self-interest. Grant me the steadfast endurance of courage.
In the Name of My Courageous Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Dear God,
The responsibilities of leadership tug at me from a host of directions. Pressures from board members, the executive team, employees, and constituents advancing their own priorities and perspectives pull me. Protect me from the false flattery of pandering to special interest.
Often, I feel torn and pulled. One special interest group pleads for a hard line. Another appeals to mercy and generosity. A third asks, “What will people think?” “How will it look?”
I find myself wanting to create a centered, reasoned response that accounts for the concerns from each constituency I am serving. I know that compromise is not necessarily a dirty word., but my desire transcends pleasing people. Help me to compromise on methods, and to be unshakeable on mission and message.
Center me in You. Help me to stay on the cross, crucified with Christ. Prevent me from being deceived into thinking that leadership is about me. Protect me from self-serving and self-saving. All too quickly, a discussion of ideas can deteriorate into a battle of personalities. Preserve me from being deceived into implementing carnal weapons to advance a spiritual cause. Purge me that my motives are filled with You, and cleansed of advancing myself.
Grant me a bravery of leadership that has a clear eye and a laser-like focus. I want to see the goal You have for my organization and to lead the team with crystalline direction. Grant me a vision that clearly sees the end result that You want. Inspire within me the strength and methods to advance Your vision. Help me to stick with that! I don’t want to be swayed by opinions, words, approval, or disapproval of others. Strengthen the resolve of my will to pursue the vision that You have impressed upon me, without straying or varying from the clarion call of Your Spirit.
I want to live a transparent life with a sincere character. I want to walk with You led by a clear moral compass of conscience, informed by Your Word, sensitized by the Holy Spirit. Slay any selfish motivation in me that would infect Your vision with self-interest. Grant me the steadfast endurance of courage.
In the Name of My Courageous Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Wounded
Isaiah 53
Dear God,
Everyone is broken, only in different spots. As long as I stay under the flow of Your saving, sanctifying, healing grace in my life, You work restoration and wholeness where I am broken. The moment I pull myself out from under Your healing flow of grace, I will break myself all over again, even worse than before. The only hope for my healing is Jesus. The wounds of my life are too deep for any other healing to provide effective restoration. Wholeness is elusive apart from the Father’s grace, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit’s application of grace to the immediacy of my condition.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my Wounded Healer. Thank You for Your sacrificial death and atonement to provide salvation for all. Thank You for enduring a cruel beating, Your body becoming an open wound for my sins, and the sins of the whole world. Thank You for bearing the wounds of my sin in Your body on the cross of Calvary. Thank You for providing for the healing of my life, broken by sin, rebellion, and the disease of self. Thank You for atoning for the sins of the whole world, even mine.
When I was rebellious, resistant, recalcitrant, and running from You, You drew me with eyes of love. You drew me from a cross. You drew me to bow before You in my brokenness, convicted and confessing, until You assured me by faith that I was Your own. Thank You.
Thank You for calling me to die to my self, and for drawing me to my own cross where I could be “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), and raised through the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for allowing me the privilege to serve the One who has transformed me.
Yet, in Your optimism of grace, You see broken places in my character that You want to correct and restore to wholeness. Open the broken places of my character, my background, my family history, the scars from my own past sins, the scars of others’ sins against me, my flaws, my blunders, even my torn relationships and my inability to restore them... Open them all to Your healing. I spread my soul like an open garment. Examine me. Heal me in places where I cannot reach, see, or heal myself. I need You to bring wholeness to my life.
You saved me by grace through faith in a moment. You sanctified me in a moment. Now, there is ongoing sanctification, restoration, and healing that You want to effect in me, much of which will take a lifetime. I want to be like Jesus. Shape me. Remake me. Prepare me for heaven. I love You. I need You. I am utterly dependent upon You. You are my Wounded Healer.
In the Name of the Father, the Son Jesus, and the precious Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Dear God,
Everyone is broken, only in different spots. As long as I stay under the flow of Your saving, sanctifying, healing grace in my life, You work restoration and wholeness where I am broken. The moment I pull myself out from under Your healing flow of grace, I will break myself all over again, even worse than before. The only hope for my healing is Jesus. The wounds of my life are too deep for any other healing to provide effective restoration. Wholeness is elusive apart from the Father’s grace, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit’s application of grace to the immediacy of my condition.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my Wounded Healer. Thank You for Your sacrificial death and atonement to provide salvation for all. Thank You for enduring a cruel beating, Your body becoming an open wound for my sins, and the sins of the whole world. Thank You for bearing the wounds of my sin in Your body on the cross of Calvary. Thank You for providing for the healing of my life, broken by sin, rebellion, and the disease of self. Thank You for atoning for the sins of the whole world, even mine.
When I was rebellious, resistant, recalcitrant, and running from You, You drew me with eyes of love. You drew me from a cross. You drew me to bow before You in my brokenness, convicted and confessing, until You assured me by faith that I was Your own. Thank You.
Thank You for calling me to die to my self, and for drawing me to my own cross where I could be “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), and raised through the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for allowing me the privilege to serve the One who has transformed me.
Yet, in Your optimism of grace, You see broken places in my character that You want to correct and restore to wholeness. Open the broken places of my character, my background, my family history, the scars from my own past sins, the scars of others’ sins against me, my flaws, my blunders, even my torn relationships and my inability to restore them... Open them all to Your healing. I spread my soul like an open garment. Examine me. Heal me in places where I cannot reach, see, or heal myself. I need You to bring wholeness to my life.
You saved me by grace through faith in a moment. You sanctified me in a moment. Now, there is ongoing sanctification, restoration, and healing that You want to effect in me, much of which will take a lifetime. I want to be like Jesus. Shape me. Remake me. Prepare me for heaven. I love You. I need You. I am utterly dependent upon You. You are my Wounded Healer.
In the Name of the Father, the Son Jesus, and the precious Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Pleasing People
Matthew 26, John 6
Dear Jesus,
I love You, Lord. Thank You for Your creative power that gives me life. Thank You for the gift of people and relationships. I love people. I find myself energized as I spend time with others. I thank You for the privilege of leading people in fulfilling Your Great Commission on earth. I thank You for the joy of helping to prepare people to spend eternity with You.
Thank You for the privilege of leading a team of great people. I enjoy the opportunity to seek to harness their resources and get them pulling in the same direction of our mission.
I want to lead happy, fulfilled people. Sometimes, I find myself expressing the sentiment, “I want to make people happy.” I understand the obvious flaws in such a notion. I realize that “You can’t make everybody happy” is more than cliche, but I still want to lead a team of happy people who find fulfillment in their work.
However, I must remember that You did not always make people happy. You did not make the Scribes and Pharisees happy with Your transcendence above their man-made rules. You did not make the Sadducees happy with Your emphasis upon the resurrection, and then You did it! You did not make the masses happy when You started talking about sacrifice and the cross. You did not make Your own disciples happy when You went to the cross, shattering their illusions about what You came to earth to accomplish.
Happiness is fleeting. It is so conditioned upon environmental circumstances. Help me to lead people past the temporal notions of happiness to achieve something great for Your Glory. I want to lead people to a deep fulfillment and joy found in serving a mission of eternal consequence. Help me to make the tough decisions even when they sacrifice temporary happiness. Help me to maintain a laser-like focus on the mission to which You have called me. Help me to lead with enthusiasm, vigor, courage, and boldness. Help me shun toxic management strategies that yield temporary gain and long-term organizational dysfunction. May I refuse to diminish another colleague or predecessor in order to advance myself. Give me a gracious appreciation for all who have gone before me or come alongside me to advance the mission You have called me to serve. Help me to lead with a fearless perfect love that flows from the abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit filling and consuming my life.
Help me to remember that You are the One I must please. Regardless of how others perceive me or my leadership, help me to please You, and make You happy.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Dear Jesus,
I love You, Lord. Thank You for Your creative power that gives me life. Thank You for the gift of people and relationships. I love people. I find myself energized as I spend time with others. I thank You for the privilege of leading people in fulfilling Your Great Commission on earth. I thank You for the joy of helping to prepare people to spend eternity with You.
Thank You for the privilege of leading a team of great people. I enjoy the opportunity to seek to harness their resources and get them pulling in the same direction of our mission.
I want to lead happy, fulfilled people. Sometimes, I find myself expressing the sentiment, “I want to make people happy.” I understand the obvious flaws in such a notion. I realize that “You can’t make everybody happy” is more than cliche, but I still want to lead a team of happy people who find fulfillment in their work.
However, I must remember that You did not always make people happy. You did not make the Scribes and Pharisees happy with Your transcendence above their man-made rules. You did not make the Sadducees happy with Your emphasis upon the resurrection, and then You did it! You did not make the masses happy when You started talking about sacrifice and the cross. You did not make Your own disciples happy when You went to the cross, shattering their illusions about what You came to earth to accomplish.
Happiness is fleeting. It is so conditioned upon environmental circumstances. Help me to lead people past the temporal notions of happiness to achieve something great for Your Glory. I want to lead people to a deep fulfillment and joy found in serving a mission of eternal consequence. Help me to make the tough decisions even when they sacrifice temporary happiness. Help me to maintain a laser-like focus on the mission to which You have called me. Help me to lead with enthusiasm, vigor, courage, and boldness. Help me shun toxic management strategies that yield temporary gain and long-term organizational dysfunction. May I refuse to diminish another colleague or predecessor in order to advance myself. Give me a gracious appreciation for all who have gone before me or come alongside me to advance the mission You have called me to serve. Help me to lead with a fearless perfect love that flows from the abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit filling and consuming my life.
Help me to remember that You are the One I must please. Regardless of how others perceive me or my leadership, help me to please You, and make You happy.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Hear me!
Matthew 5:23-24, 6:12-15, Mark 11:22-26, Hebrews 11,
Precious Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I want to pray prayers to which You attend. I want to pray prayers that You can actually hear. Your word indicates that my heart must be congruent with the heart of God if my prayers are to be effective. Align my heart with Yours. Fix my intention and motivations toward You and You alone, and hear my prayers.
Help me to remember that great praying is not about changing You. Rather, it is about changing me. Change me. Make me like You–holy, clean, loving, merciful, just, compassionate, patient, kind, forgiving, faithful, bold, visionary, courageous, and creative. I want to be like You.
Your Word provides me with guidance in prayer. You give me laws of prayer that make for effective praying. The first law is faith. You tell me in Your Word that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Defeat my doubt. Strengthen my faith. Mountains of physical illness, addiction, failure, sin, and family conflict loom in our lives. I bring my mountains to you. I accept Your guidance. Remove the mountains of my life.
You provide fervency as a second law of prayer. Help me to believe Your faithful promises and to receive the fruit of Your promise in my life. I choose to endure in hope before You. Strengthen my fervency when I am tempted to give up. Give me grace and faith to accept Your will. Help me to subscribe to You rather than prescribe You in prayer. You are not my servant to perform my bidding. Rather, I am Your servant and will listen to Your call and obey.
Forgiveness is Your third law of prayer. You are reminding me that I must have a heart like Yours to have truly effective prayers. Unforgiveness erects a barrier between us. You long to fellowship with holy people. You need like-minded worshipers if You are to enjoy maximum communion with the created. A forgiving heart is an essential prerequisite for You to hear and answer my prayers. As I receive the cleansing of forgiveness in my own heart and life, I can be a clean conduit of grace to distribute the gift I have received from You. I will only enjoy Your forgiveness as I continue to give it away. I choose to give and receive Your grace. Thank You.
Thank You for Your sacrificial death and atoning sacrifice for me that gives me freedom. Thank You for the cross that purchased my forgiveness, adoption, and transformation by Your grace.
Thank You Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Precious Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I want to pray prayers to which You attend. I want to pray prayers that You can actually hear. Your word indicates that my heart must be congruent with the heart of God if my prayers are to be effective. Align my heart with Yours. Fix my intention and motivations toward You and You alone, and hear my prayers.
Help me to remember that great praying is not about changing You. Rather, it is about changing me. Change me. Make me like You–holy, clean, loving, merciful, just, compassionate, patient, kind, forgiving, faithful, bold, visionary, courageous, and creative. I want to be like You.
Your Word provides me with guidance in prayer. You give me laws of prayer that make for effective praying. The first law is faith. You tell me in Your Word that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Defeat my doubt. Strengthen my faith. Mountains of physical illness, addiction, failure, sin, and family conflict loom in our lives. I bring my mountains to you. I accept Your guidance. Remove the mountains of my life.
You provide fervency as a second law of prayer. Help me to believe Your faithful promises and to receive the fruit of Your promise in my life. I choose to endure in hope before You. Strengthen my fervency when I am tempted to give up. Give me grace and faith to accept Your will. Help me to subscribe to You rather than prescribe You in prayer. You are not my servant to perform my bidding. Rather, I am Your servant and will listen to Your call and obey.
Forgiveness is Your third law of prayer. You are reminding me that I must have a heart like Yours to have truly effective prayers. Unforgiveness erects a barrier between us. You long to fellowship with holy people. You need like-minded worshipers if You are to enjoy maximum communion with the created. A forgiving heart is an essential prerequisite for You to hear and answer my prayers. As I receive the cleansing of forgiveness in my own heart and life, I can be a clean conduit of grace to distribute the gift I have received from You. I will only enjoy Your forgiveness as I continue to give it away. I choose to give and receive Your grace. Thank You.
Thank You for Your sacrificial death and atoning sacrifice for me that gives me freedom. Thank You for the cross that purchased my forgiveness, adoption, and transformation by Your grace.
Thank You Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Monday, January 19, 2015
I want to be Your Dream Home!
Acts 2:2, I Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20, Romans 12:1-2
Precious Holy Spirit,
I want to be Your dream home. I offer my body as Your temple to indwell. I remember dreaming about a dream home. I dreamed with my spouse about a place that would be our retreat. It would be a space filled with love, memories, relaxation, and rest. It would be a place to which we could retire when the “world was too much with us.” Without the love of our family and friends, our dream home would simply be another house. But when filled with love, joy, laughter, friendship and faith, our dream home became a place to nurture both body and soul.
Thank You for Your dream to indwell me. May thoughts of filling my body as Your temple excite and bless You. I want to be a place where You can dwell. I want to be a holy temple that You fill. I want to be Your dream home. On the day of Pentecost, You filled the house where the disciples were sitting with a mighty rushing wind. I imagine my body as a house. Holy Spirit, blow Your breeze through me. Fill me. Inhabit me. Possess me with Yourself. I imagine my house with a basement, a first floor, and a second floor. Fill them all!
The basement makes me think of my base physical desires, drives, and instincts. I have them, but I don’t want to be controlled by these physical appetites. I want You to control my body and my base desires. Fill the basement of my life with Your mighty rushing wind. Blow into me and fill and cleanse each appetite. My desire for work, my possessions and need to accumulate more, my sex life, hunger, thirst, desires for pleasure, my needs to control the future... Fill each with You!
Then let Your wind blow into the first floor of my life. I live with my family on the first floor. I exit the first floor to enter the marketplace, where I rub shoulders with real people with real problems. Fill my relationships and social needs with Yourself. Fill me with You, so that my primary relational needs are met in intimacy with You. Then, empower me to live out my marriage, my parenting, and all of the relationships of my life through the fulness of Your wind that is filling me with all of the fulness of God.
Now, Holy Spirit, let Your wind fill the second floor of my life. I surrender my hopes, dreams, plans, longings, aspirations, goals, ambitions, and dreams to You. Fill me to the eaves and attic with all of Yourself. Blow!
I am Your dream home. Indwell. Fill me full of You. May Your fulness make all the difference in how I live my life.
Thank You Holy Spirit for blowing the breath of God into me,
Amen.
Precious Holy Spirit,
I want to be Your dream home. I offer my body as Your temple to indwell. I remember dreaming about a dream home. I dreamed with my spouse about a place that would be our retreat. It would be a space filled with love, memories, relaxation, and rest. It would be a place to which we could retire when the “world was too much with us.” Without the love of our family and friends, our dream home would simply be another house. But when filled with love, joy, laughter, friendship and faith, our dream home became a place to nurture both body and soul.
Thank You for Your dream to indwell me. May thoughts of filling my body as Your temple excite and bless You. I want to be a place where You can dwell. I want to be a holy temple that You fill. I want to be Your dream home. On the day of Pentecost, You filled the house where the disciples were sitting with a mighty rushing wind. I imagine my body as a house. Holy Spirit, blow Your breeze through me. Fill me. Inhabit me. Possess me with Yourself. I imagine my house with a basement, a first floor, and a second floor. Fill them all!
The basement makes me think of my base physical desires, drives, and instincts. I have them, but I don’t want to be controlled by these physical appetites. I want You to control my body and my base desires. Fill the basement of my life with Your mighty rushing wind. Blow into me and fill and cleanse each appetite. My desire for work, my possessions and need to accumulate more, my sex life, hunger, thirst, desires for pleasure, my needs to control the future... Fill each with You!
Then let Your wind blow into the first floor of my life. I live with my family on the first floor. I exit the first floor to enter the marketplace, where I rub shoulders with real people with real problems. Fill my relationships and social needs with Yourself. Fill me with You, so that my primary relational needs are met in intimacy with You. Then, empower me to live out my marriage, my parenting, and all of the relationships of my life through the fulness of Your wind that is filling me with all of the fulness of God.
Now, Holy Spirit, let Your wind fill the second floor of my life. I surrender my hopes, dreams, plans, longings, aspirations, goals, ambitions, and dreams to You. Fill me to the eaves and attic with all of Yourself. Blow!
I am Your dream home. Indwell. Fill me full of You. May Your fulness make all the difference in how I live my life.
Thank You Holy Spirit for blowing the breath of God into me,
Amen.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Beauty
Psalm 104, I Peter 1:1-9, Revelation 21
Dear God,
Help me to embrace the serendipity of beauty that surrounds me. So often, I find myself obsessed by going from point A to point B, that I miss the obvious beauty which is just in front of me. The beauty that You have positioned in my path is Your special gift. All too often, I rush right on by without bothering to study the package, the paper, or the bow. In my rush, I fail to take time to notice, to open Your gift of beauty to me. Slow me down that I may savor Your serendipitous gift with wonder.
My task-oriented nature is such that I define myself by doing. I hear Your sweet and tender call just to be in Your Presence. You call me to enjoy the beauty of You, the splendor of Your character, the beauty of Your creation, and the beauty of Your image imprinted upon Your creative crowning glory, humanity. Help me to notice.
Thank You for Your beauty which surrounds me. The natural beauty of the lake, a stream, a large buck prancing out of the forest and into a meadow. Thank you for the beauty of mountains, trees–each one unique. A bird on the wing, a gleaming fish breaking a glassy surface, a dragonfly buzzing, a woodpecker’s flash of color and eruption of clatter. Thank you.
Thank You for the miraculous beauty of childbirth. An infant’s soft skin, a child's unrestrained laughter, happy smiles, a loving kiss, busy play, an unrestrained hug. Thank You for the beauty of Youth, vigorous, muscular, and attractive. Thank You for the beauty of character in a life well-lived. Thank You for the one who shuffles forward, shoulders bent, whose heart and mind is filled with a wisdom that has shed the trivial and focused on the eternal. Thank You for an aged face, mapped with living, that points with anticipation to an eternal destiny. Thank You for people who show me the path of the well-lived life and inspire me to do the same.
Thank You for the breeze in my face, the breath in my lungs, and Your indwelling Holy Spirit. I have set my sail toward the wind. Fill me, propel me, define me. Help me not to miss the gift of beauty which you place right in front of me every day. Prepare me to see the beauty in Your face and in all that You have prepared for us in heaven at last. I never want to insult You, the Giver, by missing Your gift of beauty. Thank you. I accept Your gift.
In the Name of my Creator and Lord, the Author of Beauty,
Amen.
Dear God,
Help me to embrace the serendipity of beauty that surrounds me. So often, I find myself obsessed by going from point A to point B, that I miss the obvious beauty which is just in front of me. The beauty that You have positioned in my path is Your special gift. All too often, I rush right on by without bothering to study the package, the paper, or the bow. In my rush, I fail to take time to notice, to open Your gift of beauty to me. Slow me down that I may savor Your serendipitous gift with wonder.
My task-oriented nature is such that I define myself by doing. I hear Your sweet and tender call just to be in Your Presence. You call me to enjoy the beauty of You, the splendor of Your character, the beauty of Your creation, and the beauty of Your image imprinted upon Your creative crowning glory, humanity. Help me to notice.
Thank You for Your beauty which surrounds me. The natural beauty of the lake, a stream, a large buck prancing out of the forest and into a meadow. Thank you for the beauty of mountains, trees–each one unique. A bird on the wing, a gleaming fish breaking a glassy surface, a dragonfly buzzing, a woodpecker’s flash of color and eruption of clatter. Thank you.
Thank You for the miraculous beauty of childbirth. An infant’s soft skin, a child's unrestrained laughter, happy smiles, a loving kiss, busy play, an unrestrained hug. Thank You for the beauty of Youth, vigorous, muscular, and attractive. Thank You for the beauty of character in a life well-lived. Thank You for the one who shuffles forward, shoulders bent, whose heart and mind is filled with a wisdom that has shed the trivial and focused on the eternal. Thank You for an aged face, mapped with living, that points with anticipation to an eternal destiny. Thank You for people who show me the path of the well-lived life and inspire me to do the same.
Thank You for the breeze in my face, the breath in my lungs, and Your indwelling Holy Spirit. I have set my sail toward the wind. Fill me, propel me, define me. Help me not to miss the gift of beauty which you place right in front of me every day. Prepare me to see the beauty in Your face and in all that You have prepared for us in heaven at last. I never want to insult You, the Giver, by missing Your gift of beauty. Thank you. I accept Your gift.
In the Name of my Creator and Lord, the Author of Beauty,
Amen.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Time
Psalm 90:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Lord Jesus,
The pressures of leadership are great. The competition for my time is fierce. I find myself longing for more time in Your Presence. Each day when I wait before You, the tyranny of the urgent murmurs incessantly in the background, crying for my attention. Help me to shut everything out, but You. Help me to encounter You authentically, sincerely, and meaningfully. I need that sort of intimacy and quiet in order to be whole and complete as I face the day.
Help me to live a well-balanced, complete life. All too often, it seems that my work consumes me. My role as a leader and team-builder stretches well past an eight hour day and a 5 day work week. My smart phone is my ball and chain, tethering me to the temporal. I neurotically check my e-mail, interrupting quiet moments with family, grandchildren, and even You. My wife glares at me. Do You?
It seems as if there is never enough time to accomplish the tasks related to my job. Help me to remember that “There is enough time in each day to do God’s Will.” Grant me the sensitivity to know Your Divine priorities.
I find myself questioning my worth of the executive salary and benefits I receive. In order to validate these privileges of leadership, I work harder. I allow work to encroach into private moments of my life. Teach me to shut it off. Teach me to unplug. As I do, You will refresh me in Your Presence and make me better for the tomorrow’s tasks.
Teach me to be fully available in the moment to You, to my wife, to my children, my grandchildren, my siblings, my elderly parents, and people you have called me to serve.
Exhausted by the day, a few moments of mindless media often anesthetize my mind and emotions, but what I am seeking is not numbness. I am seeking rest. Teach me to rest in You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Lord Jesus,
The pressures of leadership are great. The competition for my time is fierce. I find myself longing for more time in Your Presence. Each day when I wait before You, the tyranny of the urgent murmurs incessantly in the background, crying for my attention. Help me to shut everything out, but You. Help me to encounter You authentically, sincerely, and meaningfully. I need that sort of intimacy and quiet in order to be whole and complete as I face the day.
Help me to live a well-balanced, complete life. All too often, it seems that my work consumes me. My role as a leader and team-builder stretches well past an eight hour day and a 5 day work week. My smart phone is my ball and chain, tethering me to the temporal. I neurotically check my e-mail, interrupting quiet moments with family, grandchildren, and even You. My wife glares at me. Do You?
It seems as if there is never enough time to accomplish the tasks related to my job. Help me to remember that “There is enough time in each day to do God’s Will.” Grant me the sensitivity to know Your Divine priorities.
I find myself questioning my worth of the executive salary and benefits I receive. In order to validate these privileges of leadership, I work harder. I allow work to encroach into private moments of my life. Teach me to shut it off. Teach me to unplug. As I do, You will refresh me in Your Presence and make me better for the tomorrow’s tasks.
Teach me to be fully available in the moment to You, to my wife, to my children, my grandchildren, my siblings, my elderly parents, and people you have called me to serve.
Exhausted by the day, a few moments of mindless media often anesthetize my mind and emotions, but what I am seeking is not numbness. I am seeking rest. Teach me to rest in You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Joy
Galatians 5:16-26, Philippians 3:1, 4:4
Dear Jesus,
All too often I allow circumstances to diminish by joy. I understand that happiness is an emotion that may fluctuate based upon circumstances, but scripture teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit that transcends circumstances.
I have been praying for a specific miracle for over one year. I am in the midst of seeing that miracle birthed. I acknowledge the miracle of it all. I rejoice on some level. I give You praise and thanksgiving. I don’t believe that I am ungrateful for the work that You are doing in response to faith and prayer. But I find in my heart the conjunction “but.” I can thank You for the miracle that is underway, but I always want more. I always need more from You. And my “but” strikes me as ungrateful.
You are the One True God, not some superstitious product of my imagination. I want to be able to worship You. I want to thank You unconditionally. I don’t want to treat You like a vending machine. I don’t want to abuse You like some genie in the bottle, and confuse that for prayer. I don’t want to manipulate You like some rabbit’s foot. I don’t want to treat You like a fictitious Santa Claus, appealing to You with my proclamation, “My name is Jimmy, and I’ll take what you gimme!” I don’t want You to judge me as worshiping You from the “First Church of the Four Leaf Clover,” where I practice horseshoe religion. You are not some saccharin Candy Man who always keeps me on the dole with periodic sweets. I don’t want a god my size. You are God.
So, I know that I need. I know that You give. I know that You want me to ask. I want to ask with joy and thanksgiving. I want to approach You with worship that is worthy of You. In my state of constant need, I don’t want to miss the celebration of joy at the miracle You are accomplishing in this moment. I don’t want to have an ungrateful spirit that says, “Yes, God is doing a miracle, but if another one doesn’t happen soon, He has failed us.” That attitude is ungrateful. I reject it. I refuse it. I choose praise. I choose joy. I choose to celebrate You and Your marvelous acts!
I want to live out an irrepressible joy, the fruit of Your Spirit in my life, that transcends circumstances. Paul lived out joy in prison. Believers throughout the centuries counted martyrdom for Christ as a joy and a privilege. Teach me to live with deep roots, grounded in You, that tap into Your Holy Spirit’s vast supply of joy.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Dear Jesus,
All too often I allow circumstances to diminish by joy. I understand that happiness is an emotion that may fluctuate based upon circumstances, but scripture teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit that transcends circumstances.
I have been praying for a specific miracle for over one year. I am in the midst of seeing that miracle birthed. I acknowledge the miracle of it all. I rejoice on some level. I give You praise and thanksgiving. I don’t believe that I am ungrateful for the work that You are doing in response to faith and prayer. But I find in my heart the conjunction “but.” I can thank You for the miracle that is underway, but I always want more. I always need more from You. And my “but” strikes me as ungrateful.
You are the One True God, not some superstitious product of my imagination. I want to be able to worship You. I want to thank You unconditionally. I don’t want to treat You like a vending machine. I don’t want to abuse You like some genie in the bottle, and confuse that for prayer. I don’t want to manipulate You like some rabbit’s foot. I don’t want to treat You like a fictitious Santa Claus, appealing to You with my proclamation, “My name is Jimmy, and I’ll take what you gimme!” I don’t want You to judge me as worshiping You from the “First Church of the Four Leaf Clover,” where I practice horseshoe religion. You are not some saccharin Candy Man who always keeps me on the dole with periodic sweets. I don’t want a god my size. You are God.
So, I know that I need. I know that You give. I know that You want me to ask. I want to ask with joy and thanksgiving. I want to approach You with worship that is worthy of You. In my state of constant need, I don’t want to miss the celebration of joy at the miracle You are accomplishing in this moment. I don’t want to have an ungrateful spirit that says, “Yes, God is doing a miracle, but if another one doesn’t happen soon, He has failed us.” That attitude is ungrateful. I reject it. I refuse it. I choose praise. I choose joy. I choose to celebrate You and Your marvelous acts!
I want to live out an irrepressible joy, the fruit of Your Spirit in my life, that transcends circumstances. Paul lived out joy in prison. Believers throughout the centuries counted martyrdom for Christ as a joy and a privilege. Teach me to live with deep roots, grounded in You, that tap into Your Holy Spirit’s vast supply of joy.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Bezalel and Aholiab
Exodus 31:1-11, 36:1-38, Psalm 127, I Corinthians 14:12
Dear God,
I am amazed at the ways in which You equip Your servants to do Your work. I remember my mother teaching me about J. Hudson Taylor, a pioneer missionary to China. He once said, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply!” It’s true.
I thank You for the way in which You provide strength, skill, and the Spirit to anoint and make my craft successful for Your Glory.
I often think about Bezalel and Aholiab, Moses’ craftsmen for the Hebrew tabernacle. You gifted them with imaginations, hands, and artistic ability. And You allowed the Egyptians to pick up the tab for their training!
Lord, would You so gift my hands for the tasks before me today? My work is not with gold, silver, bronze, jewels or fabrics. My work is with people. I am seeking to etch truth, holiness, leadership, righteousness, transformation, and grace upon the tables of the hearts of men and women. Certainly, the work of my hands is the one You have appointed for me. Equip me with skills and strength to perform these tasks.
I choose to appropriate Your grace in my life to hone Your craft and calling in me. I recognize Your calling and anointing, but I also recognize that excellence is a discipline that is cultivated through diligent work. As I strive for excellence, save me from the idolatrous pit of perfectionism, that makes my work about me, instead of an act of worship to You. I commit myself to excellence for Your Glory.
Help me never to forget that for my work to matter, it must be blessed with the brush of the Eternal. Just as my cheek brushes that of my wife in a gentle caress, may You brush Your Presence and touch over my life. I choose to live a life that matters because I have been anointed by You for the tasks of today. I live with a certain faith and confidence that You are with me, upon me, and within me to the end that You will be magnified with the way I perform my craft. I choose to live for Your Glory.
In the Name of my Father, His Son Jesus–my elder brother, and the Holy Spirit who anoints and indwells me,
Amen.
Dear God,
I am amazed at the ways in which You equip Your servants to do Your work. I remember my mother teaching me about J. Hudson Taylor, a pioneer missionary to China. He once said, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply!” It’s true.
I thank You for the way in which You provide strength, skill, and the Spirit to anoint and make my craft successful for Your Glory.
I often think about Bezalel and Aholiab, Moses’ craftsmen for the Hebrew tabernacle. You gifted them with imaginations, hands, and artistic ability. And You allowed the Egyptians to pick up the tab for their training!
Lord, would You so gift my hands for the tasks before me today? My work is not with gold, silver, bronze, jewels or fabrics. My work is with people. I am seeking to etch truth, holiness, leadership, righteousness, transformation, and grace upon the tables of the hearts of men and women. Certainly, the work of my hands is the one You have appointed for me. Equip me with skills and strength to perform these tasks.
I choose to appropriate Your grace in my life to hone Your craft and calling in me. I recognize Your calling and anointing, but I also recognize that excellence is a discipline that is cultivated through diligent work. As I strive for excellence, save me from the idolatrous pit of perfectionism, that makes my work about me, instead of an act of worship to You. I commit myself to excellence for Your Glory.
Help me never to forget that for my work to matter, it must be blessed with the brush of the Eternal. Just as my cheek brushes that of my wife in a gentle caress, may You brush Your Presence and touch over my life. I choose to live a life that matters because I have been anointed by You for the tasks of today. I live with a certain faith and confidence that You are with me, upon me, and within me to the end that You will be magnified with the way I perform my craft. I choose to live for Your Glory.
In the Name of my Father, His Son Jesus–my elder brother, and the Holy Spirit who anoints and indwells me,
Amen.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
When I am Tempted
William Barclay shares some observations on temptation while looking at the temptation of Jesus recorded in Matthew 4.
"Just as metal has to be tested far beyond any stress and strain that it will ever be called upon to bear, before it can be used for any useful purpose, so a man has to be tested before God can use him for His purposes. The Jews had a saying, 'The Holy One, Blessed be His Name, does not elevate a man to dignity till He has first tried and searched him; and if he stands in temptation, then He raises him to dignity.'
"Now here is a great and uplifting truth. What we call temptation is not meant to make us sin; it is meant to enable us to conquer sin. It is not meant to make us bad, it is meant to make us good. It is not meant to weaken us, it is meant to make us emerge stronger and finer and purer from the ordeal. Temptation is not the penalty of being a man, temptation is the glory of being a man. It is the test which comes to a man whom God wishes to use" (Barclay, Matthew, vol. I, pp. 55-56).
Barclay describes temptation as "an inner struggle. It is through our inmost thoughts and desires that the tempter comes to us. His attack is launched in our own minds. It is true that the attack can be so real that we almost see the devil. To this day you see the ink-stain on the wall of Luther's room in the Castle of the Wartburg in Germany; Luther caused that ink-stain by throwing his ink-pot at the devil as he tempted him. But the very power of the devil lies in the fact that he breaches our defenses and attacks us from within. He finds his allies and his weapons in our own inmost thoughts and desires" (p. 58).
Barclay is right in His emphasis of God working purpose in allowing these attacks of temptation and testing in our lives. No weightlifter ever becomes strong without lifting weights. Opposition is essential for strength.
Barclay reiterates the truth of James 1:13-15. "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
However, a qualifier must be made here. The Son of God, faced with temptation, knew nothing of sinful motivations or desires. He wanted to do the will of the Father. However, his constitutional fears and incarnate flesh--human--included fear, the desire to avoid pain, and the desire to complete the Father's will.
"Just as metal has to be tested far beyond any stress and strain that it will ever be called upon to bear, before it can be used for any useful purpose, so a man has to be tested before God can use him for His purposes. The Jews had a saying, 'The Holy One, Blessed be His Name, does not elevate a man to dignity till He has first tried and searched him; and if he stands in temptation, then He raises him to dignity.'
"Now here is a great and uplifting truth. What we call temptation is not meant to make us sin; it is meant to enable us to conquer sin. It is not meant to make us bad, it is meant to make us good. It is not meant to weaken us, it is meant to make us emerge stronger and finer and purer from the ordeal. Temptation is not the penalty of being a man, temptation is the glory of being a man. It is the test which comes to a man whom God wishes to use" (Barclay, Matthew, vol. I, pp. 55-56).
Barclay describes temptation as "an inner struggle. It is through our inmost thoughts and desires that the tempter comes to us. His attack is launched in our own minds. It is true that the attack can be so real that we almost see the devil. To this day you see the ink-stain on the wall of Luther's room in the Castle of the Wartburg in Germany; Luther caused that ink-stain by throwing his ink-pot at the devil as he tempted him. But the very power of the devil lies in the fact that he breaches our defenses and attacks us from within. He finds his allies and his weapons in our own inmost thoughts and desires" (p. 58).
Barclay is right in His emphasis of God working purpose in allowing these attacks of temptation and testing in our lives. No weightlifter ever becomes strong without lifting weights. Opposition is essential for strength.
Barclay reiterates the truth of James 1:13-15. "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
However, a qualifier must be made here. The Son of God, faced with temptation, knew nothing of sinful motivations or desires. He wanted to do the will of the Father. However, his constitutional fears and incarnate flesh--human--included fear, the desire to avoid pain, and the desire to complete the Father's will.
The enemy attacked our Lord Jesus to satisfy legitimate desires through illegitimate means. Attacks will come to you similarly. Remember, it is no sin to be tempted. Sin takes place when I yield to temptation.
I pray that God will help you to endure the tests, trials, and temptations of life you face today, and to emerge victorious.
I pray that God will help you to endure the tests, trials, and temptations of life you face today, and to emerge victorious.
Faith
Isaiah 35
Dear Jesus,
I have known people of great faith. I want to be one of them. I have known people who faced impossible odds, yet persevered. I have known people who ignored the hopelessness of what they knew and saw, fiercely trusted You, and moved forward in sheer faith and obedience.
I remember when You called me to a new assignment, very few had faith to believe that these doors would remain open. Yet, You ignited such an undeniable passion and vision in my heart, that it was obvious to me that You wanted the institution, and You wanted it to move forward by grace through faith.
Obstacles arose to discourage the faith You were fanning into flame in my spirit. Fear and doubt are chief among them. Fear quenches the fire of faith when I indulge the gaze with eyes of sight rather than focusing upon the steady gaze of faith. Circumstances challenge faith. Doubt questions and obscures what faith has revealed. A quest to be data driven, rational, and assessment oriented must not be allowed to be positioned as an enemy of faith. You reveal Yourself to us through all of these means; they are not the enemy.
When tasked with a great challenge, someone told me that they had given up on that enterprise because they could not see a path forward. I questioned them, “What is it called when we cannot see a path forward, yet assured of a Divine imperative in our soul, we step forward into an unknown?” That is obedient faith.
Faith is obedience in action. Faith sees Your Finger of Direction pointing to the unknown path of obedience and takes the first step. Faith embraces Your assigned route of travel, which is always the Highway of Your Holiness. Faith monitors the journey with a Divine GPS, the Witness of the Holy Spirit. Your roadmap is the inerrant and inspired Holy Bible. Your fuel is the oil of Your Holy Spirit’s Presence and Anointing. You are the Light of the world and the light of my way. You are the Bread of Life who feeds my soul. Holiness is Your rest of faith for the weary traveler. Eternal rest is promised at the end of the road in Your Presence in the New Jerusalem–Heaven at last.
Teach me the walk of faith. Teach me the destiny of faith. Teach me to overcome the obstacles to my faith.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Dear Jesus,
I have known people of great faith. I want to be one of them. I have known people who faced impossible odds, yet persevered. I have known people who ignored the hopelessness of what they knew and saw, fiercely trusted You, and moved forward in sheer faith and obedience.
I remember when You called me to a new assignment, very few had faith to believe that these doors would remain open. Yet, You ignited such an undeniable passion and vision in my heart, that it was obvious to me that You wanted the institution, and You wanted it to move forward by grace through faith.
Obstacles arose to discourage the faith You were fanning into flame in my spirit. Fear and doubt are chief among them. Fear quenches the fire of faith when I indulge the gaze with eyes of sight rather than focusing upon the steady gaze of faith. Circumstances challenge faith. Doubt questions and obscures what faith has revealed. A quest to be data driven, rational, and assessment oriented must not be allowed to be positioned as an enemy of faith. You reveal Yourself to us through all of these means; they are not the enemy.
When tasked with a great challenge, someone told me that they had given up on that enterprise because they could not see a path forward. I questioned them, “What is it called when we cannot see a path forward, yet assured of a Divine imperative in our soul, we step forward into an unknown?” That is obedient faith.
Faith is obedience in action. Faith sees Your Finger of Direction pointing to the unknown path of obedience and takes the first step. Faith embraces Your assigned route of travel, which is always the Highway of Your Holiness. Faith monitors the journey with a Divine GPS, the Witness of the Holy Spirit. Your roadmap is the inerrant and inspired Holy Bible. Your fuel is the oil of Your Holy Spirit’s Presence and Anointing. You are the Light of the world and the light of my way. You are the Bread of Life who feeds my soul. Holiness is Your rest of faith for the weary traveler. Eternal rest is promised at the end of the road in Your Presence in the New Jerusalem–Heaven at last.
Teach me the walk of faith. Teach me the destiny of faith. Teach me to overcome the obstacles to my faith.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Solving Problems
Proverbs 16:9
Dear God,
Today, I am facing some problems that seem to demand a solution. My mind has been spinning with analysis and plans. In my Quiet Place, You convicted me of how wrong I have been. Simultaneously, conviction and rest entered my mind. I knew that You had just whispered the solution to me. I must simply trust You.
I once heard someone define stress as “mental rehearsal.” I know that I have a tendency to over plan and over prepare on many things. I recognize that my speculation about the future is my attempt to manage everything. I am trying to control the future through mental rehearsal and planning. I find that all of my speculation yields an artificially constructed future state that rarely exists in the way I had imagined. I find myself spending great amounts of energy planning and responding to an imagined reality that never really exists. I plan for contingencies upon contingencies that never materialize.
The results of my speculative failure to control the future are stress, a loss of peace, mental exhaustion, strained relationships, and a diminished faith in You. My spinning, speculative, solution-seeking mind thinks I have a grasp on the situation. Then, something happens that I failed to predict. All of my plans have gone awry. As Robert Burns penned, “The best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.”
Lord, how much effort and energy I might have saved by simply trusting You explicitly, completely, and always? My intention has never been idolatry, self-sufficiency, or doubt. My motive is always to please You and bring You glory. Even in the planning, the preparation, and pondering solutions to the problems I face.
Is it possible that my extensive plans and preparation are, in part, my way of reducing Your size? Am I trying to scale You down to a size that I can manage? Oh, God, forgive me for imagining You to be too small to manage my problems! My perception of You is too small.
Now I realize that I must speculate less and trust You more. I ask You to forgive me for trying to control things rather than consecrating them to You. I choose to seek Your peace, Lord, and to trust You with today and all it holds. Grant me the poise and grace to face the situations of today with dignity, love, and kindness. I need You. I love You. I trust You.
In the Name of my Lord and Savior who is big enough to handle my problems,
Amen.
Dear God,
Today, I am facing some problems that seem to demand a solution. My mind has been spinning with analysis and plans. In my Quiet Place, You convicted me of how wrong I have been. Simultaneously, conviction and rest entered my mind. I knew that You had just whispered the solution to me. I must simply trust You.
I once heard someone define stress as “mental rehearsal.” I know that I have a tendency to over plan and over prepare on many things. I recognize that my speculation about the future is my attempt to manage everything. I am trying to control the future through mental rehearsal and planning. I find that all of my speculation yields an artificially constructed future state that rarely exists in the way I had imagined. I find myself spending great amounts of energy planning and responding to an imagined reality that never really exists. I plan for contingencies upon contingencies that never materialize.
The results of my speculative failure to control the future are stress, a loss of peace, mental exhaustion, strained relationships, and a diminished faith in You. My spinning, speculative, solution-seeking mind thinks I have a grasp on the situation. Then, something happens that I failed to predict. All of my plans have gone awry. As Robert Burns penned, “The best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.”
Lord, how much effort and energy I might have saved by simply trusting You explicitly, completely, and always? My intention has never been idolatry, self-sufficiency, or doubt. My motive is always to please You and bring You glory. Even in the planning, the preparation, and pondering solutions to the problems I face.
Is it possible that my extensive plans and preparation are, in part, my way of reducing Your size? Am I trying to scale You down to a size that I can manage? Oh, God, forgive me for imagining You to be too small to manage my problems! My perception of You is too small.
Now I realize that I must speculate less and trust You more. I ask You to forgive me for trying to control things rather than consecrating them to You. I choose to seek Your peace, Lord, and to trust You with today and all it holds. Grant me the poise and grace to face the situations of today with dignity, love, and kindness. I need You. I love You. I trust You.
In the Name of my Lord and Savior who is big enough to handle my problems,
Amen.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Kentucky Missionaries and the Bourbon Trail
I grew up in a Christian home mission setting that took a very strong stand on total abstinence from beverage alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. I even joined the Loyal Temperance Legion, the children’s division of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), as an eight year old child and took a pledge to abstain from the aforementioned personal and societal evils.
One of my longtime colleagues and friends recently wrote me that the President of the Kentucky Mountain Bible College, where we had worked together, Dr. Philip Speas, asked her to find some "interesting places for our KMHA senior citizens to take a trip now and then--within reasonable distance."
Her story continues: "We went to the Creation Museum (Petersburg, KY) in December for their Christmas lights display and programs. I've been searching for something indoors during this cold weather. I finally told him I found a great idea. The most popular thing being advertised right now is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! Now wouldn't that be something we've never done before? Something brand new is always exciting. Right? Well, it certainly gave him a laugh. He even suggested Miss Henrietta Griffith (long-time leader in local, state and national WCTU organizations) lead the excursion!"
I laughed loudly in my office as I read this story!
One of my longtime colleagues and friends recently wrote me that the President of the Kentucky Mountain Bible College, where we had worked together, Dr. Philip Speas, asked her to find some "interesting places for our KMHA senior citizens to take a trip now and then--within reasonable distance."
Her story continues: "We went to the Creation Museum (Petersburg, KY) in December for their Christmas lights display and programs. I've been searching for something indoors during this cold weather. I finally told him I found a great idea. The most popular thing being advertised right now is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! Now wouldn't that be something we've never done before? Something brand new is always exciting. Right? Well, it certainly gave him a laugh. He even suggested Miss Henrietta Griffith (long-time leader in local, state and national WCTU organizations) lead the excursion!"
I laughed loudly in my office as I read this story!
Mentors
I Timothy 6:11-21, II Timothy 1:1-7
Dear God,
Thank You for the mentors and advisors that You have brought into my life. Thank You for all who have taught me, both deliberately and by default. Thank You for those mentors and advisors who are a delight, as well as for those who have taught me simply because they are difficult. Thank You for the time, care, constructive criticism, and challenge each has brought into my life.
There are those mentors You have brought into my life who delight me. Thank You for their investment of themselves into my life. Seeing these folks has always been a cause for joy. I find my spirit responding like that of John in his mother Elizabeth's womb when the pregnant Mary came into their home. Elizabeth felt John leap within her. Something within me leaps with joy when I am privileged to spend a few moments with these dear people.
Thank You for serendipitous moments of inspiration, guidance, and care that so many have invested in me. Thank You for my friend who is always optimistic, encouraging, and believes in me. Thank You for my friend who never misses a moment to pray with me. Thank You for my friend who asks the deep, probing questions that intensify and enhance my journey of conscience to be like You.
However, there are those colleagues and acquaintances who are more difficult and challenging to me because of the sense of conflict and adversity they bring into my life. I would often seek to avoid these encounters. I shun relationships with such. But You, in Your mercy and grace allow these precious one to cross my path. They often love You no less than I, but my instinct is to label them as the problem, simply because I find them difficult. I find myself wanting to engage in the extremes of fixing them or ignoring them.
These difficult relationships are unpleasant. Teach me a spirit of gratitude for the difficult people in my life. Help me to remember that it is not my duty to change them, but to allow You to change me–often through them. Help me to understand the gift with which difficult relationships present me. Remind me of the humbling truth that I may represent another’s difficult relationship. Any holiness that You are working in me is not best revealed in ease and comfort, rather amidst adversity, testing, and difficulty. Reveal and refine Your holiness in my character through the frustrating and the challenging relationships of my life. Allow my righteousness, cultivated through adversity, to "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of my Father" (Matthew 13:43).
Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for all who are tools in Your Hand to shape me toward Christlikeness.
Amen.
Dear God,
Thank You for the mentors and advisors that You have brought into my life. Thank You for all who have taught me, both deliberately and by default. Thank You for those mentors and advisors who are a delight, as well as for those who have taught me simply because they are difficult. Thank You for the time, care, constructive criticism, and challenge each has brought into my life.
There are those mentors You have brought into my life who delight me. Thank You for their investment of themselves into my life. Seeing these folks has always been a cause for joy. I find my spirit responding like that of John in his mother Elizabeth's womb when the pregnant Mary came into their home. Elizabeth felt John leap within her. Something within me leaps with joy when I am privileged to spend a few moments with these dear people.
Thank You for serendipitous moments of inspiration, guidance, and care that so many have invested in me. Thank You for my friend who is always optimistic, encouraging, and believes in me. Thank You for my friend who never misses a moment to pray with me. Thank You for my friend who asks the deep, probing questions that intensify and enhance my journey of conscience to be like You.
However, there are those colleagues and acquaintances who are more difficult and challenging to me because of the sense of conflict and adversity they bring into my life. I would often seek to avoid these encounters. I shun relationships with such. But You, in Your mercy and grace allow these precious one to cross my path. They often love You no less than I, but my instinct is to label them as the problem, simply because I find them difficult. I find myself wanting to engage in the extremes of fixing them or ignoring them.
These difficult relationships are unpleasant. Teach me a spirit of gratitude for the difficult people in my life. Help me to remember that it is not my duty to change them, but to allow You to change me–often through them. Help me to understand the gift with which difficult relationships present me. Remind me of the humbling truth that I may represent another’s difficult relationship. Any holiness that You are working in me is not best revealed in ease and comfort, rather amidst adversity, testing, and difficulty. Reveal and refine Your holiness in my character through the frustrating and the challenging relationships of my life. Allow my righteousness, cultivated through adversity, to "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of my Father" (Matthew 13:43).
Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for all who are tools in Your Hand to shape me toward Christlikeness.
Amen.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Being
Psalm 131, Psalm 90:12
Oh, Lord,
Teach me the simplicity of being in your Presence. Quiet me. Teach me to BE with you. Teach me to REST in you. Teach me intimacy with you. Teach me the JOY of your Presence.
So much of my life is busy. I multi-task all day long. As soon as I help to solve one problem, I race to write a letter, make a phone call, pray with a colleague, or lead a meeting. I live life at a hectic pace, and frankly, I don’t see an end in sight to that intensity. Teach me to make time to BE in Your Presence each day.
My day rushes on at such a rapid pace that I suddenly look at the clock and wonder where the time has gone. I remember working my first job as a youth and constantly watching the clock. Oh, how time seemed to creep! Today, the weeks, months, and years pass in a blink.
Teach me the slow and quiet pace of spending time in Your Presence. Left to my own fallen reason, I would misconstrue time with You into some sort of superstition, shrinking and deforming You into an idol of my control, conjuring You to perform my will, manipulating You to serve me. Save me from such evil, idolatrous, corrupted worship. Help me to long to enter my Quiet Place with You. Be my reward for time well spent.
I have experienced intimacy with the wife of my youth in which a whisper, a breath, or a tensed muscle communicated volumes to me. Teach me to listen to Your softest whisper, to sense the quickening of Your pulse, to feel Your intimate breath upon me, and to know the depth of meaning in a slight nudge of Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to be with You, to listen to You, to learn Your ways. I want to know You.
St. Augustine prayed, "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you." Thank you for making me restless apart from You. Thank you for loving me enough to draw me into You, into Your Presence, into Your Person. I love You. I need You. I find myself sorrowful when I have to leave my Quiet Place with You. I want to remain in Your Presence. I long for more time alone with You.
But I must go. I must fulfill the tasks of Your calling. I go from the Quiet Place to BE with You throughout my day. I go with a simple faith that Your Presence will continue to BE with me and in me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Oh, Lord,
Teach me the simplicity of being in your Presence. Quiet me. Teach me to BE with you. Teach me to REST in you. Teach me intimacy with you. Teach me the JOY of your Presence.
So much of my life is busy. I multi-task all day long. As soon as I help to solve one problem, I race to write a letter, make a phone call, pray with a colleague, or lead a meeting. I live life at a hectic pace, and frankly, I don’t see an end in sight to that intensity. Teach me to make time to BE in Your Presence each day.
My day rushes on at such a rapid pace that I suddenly look at the clock and wonder where the time has gone. I remember working my first job as a youth and constantly watching the clock. Oh, how time seemed to creep! Today, the weeks, months, and years pass in a blink.
Teach me the slow and quiet pace of spending time in Your Presence. Left to my own fallen reason, I would misconstrue time with You into some sort of superstition, shrinking and deforming You into an idol of my control, conjuring You to perform my will, manipulating You to serve me. Save me from such evil, idolatrous, corrupted worship. Help me to long to enter my Quiet Place with You. Be my reward for time well spent.
I have experienced intimacy with the wife of my youth in which a whisper, a breath, or a tensed muscle communicated volumes to me. Teach me to listen to Your softest whisper, to sense the quickening of Your pulse, to feel Your intimate breath upon me, and to know the depth of meaning in a slight nudge of Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to be with You, to listen to You, to learn Your ways. I want to know You.
St. Augustine prayed, "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you." Thank you for making me restless apart from You. Thank you for loving me enough to draw me into You, into Your Presence, into Your Person. I love You. I need You. I find myself sorrowful when I have to leave my Quiet Place with You. I want to remain in Your Presence. I long for more time alone with You.
But I must go. I must fulfill the tasks of Your calling. I go from the Quiet Place to BE with You throughout my day. I go with a simple faith that Your Presence will continue to BE with me and in me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Who Me?
Jeremiah 1, Isaiah 6
Are You sure, God? Certainly You missed this one! Me? A leader?
Leaders are people like Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Leaders are people like Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Apostle Paul. Leaders! Do You get it? Not me! I am not like them!
I don’t want that kind of responsibility. I don’t want that kind of danger. I don’t want that kind of risk! I’ve watched Survivor! The leaders are the first ones voted off the island! Let me hide in the background. Let me coast a bit. I can keep a low profile. I can just hang out. I don’t have to lead! Surely, You don’t have to ask that much of me!
So, You’re Sovereign? What’s that mean?
You say You know best. You say that whom You call You equip. You say that You have called me to lead. Me? You have to be kidding! You missed this one, God. You have this decision all wrong. You have me confused with someone else! Surely, You are not calling me to be a leader!
Now that I think of it, I am not the only one to protest Your call to lead. Moses told You that Aaron was a better speaker, a better leader than himself. But Moses was wrong. David did not look like much of a king for Judah, prompting the prophet Samuel to remark that "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart!" Elijah was so exhausted with leadership, that he asked You to kill him; but You did not answer that prayer. Jeremiah was so astonished at Your call that he tried to get out of it on the basis of his youth and inexperience. You responded by filling his mouth with Your words until Your message burned like a pent up fire in his bones. I guess we humans don’t have a very good track record of arguing with You when You call us to lead, do we?
I’ll make a deal with You. I will answer Your call if You will make me a promise. You have to promise to go with me. You have to promise to fill my mouth with Your words. You have to promise to perform miracles to help me to lead. You have to promise to go with me, to defend me, to fight my battles for me, and to be my Companion!
So, You can do that? Thanks, God. I feel like You are calling me to go out on a limb. Don’t cut it off behind me! Don’t fail me! I trust You that whom You call You will enable and empower to perform Your appointed task.
In the Name of the Sovereign God of the Universe,
Amen.
Are You sure, God? Certainly You missed this one! Me? A leader?
Leaders are people like Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Leaders are people like Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Apostle Paul. Leaders! Do You get it? Not me! I am not like them!
I don’t want that kind of responsibility. I don’t want that kind of danger. I don’t want that kind of risk! I’ve watched Survivor! The leaders are the first ones voted off the island! Let me hide in the background. Let me coast a bit. I can keep a low profile. I can just hang out. I don’t have to lead! Surely, You don’t have to ask that much of me!
So, You’re Sovereign? What’s that mean?
You say You know best. You say that whom You call You equip. You say that You have called me to lead. Me? You have to be kidding! You missed this one, God. You have this decision all wrong. You have me confused with someone else! Surely, You are not calling me to be a leader!
Now that I think of it, I am not the only one to protest Your call to lead. Moses told You that Aaron was a better speaker, a better leader than himself. But Moses was wrong. David did not look like much of a king for Judah, prompting the prophet Samuel to remark that "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart!" Elijah was so exhausted with leadership, that he asked You to kill him; but You did not answer that prayer. Jeremiah was so astonished at Your call that he tried to get out of it on the basis of his youth and inexperience. You responded by filling his mouth with Your words until Your message burned like a pent up fire in his bones. I guess we humans don’t have a very good track record of arguing with You when You call us to lead, do we?
I’ll make a deal with You. I will answer Your call if You will make me a promise. You have to promise to go with me. You have to promise to fill my mouth with Your words. You have to promise to perform miracles to help me to lead. You have to promise to go with me, to defend me, to fight my battles for me, and to be my Companion!
So, You can do that? Thanks, God. I feel like You are calling me to go out on a limb. Don’t cut it off behind me! Don’t fail me! I trust You that whom You call You will enable and empower to perform Your appointed task.
In the Name of the Sovereign God of the Universe,
Amen.
Friday, January 9, 2015
WHY I BELIEVE IN WESLEY BIBLICAL SEMINARY--Dr. John Neihof's Installation Message as President of WBS
October 7, 2013
Friends, Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, President Emeritus Spann, Mom and Dad, Beth, thank you for coming to Wesley Biblical Seminary for this convocation and installation service.
My life direction has taken a radical turn in the last few weeks and months. As God began to draw my wife, Beth, and me toward Wesley Biblical Seminary, I began to ask myself the question, "Why do I believe in WBS?" I want to share with you some of my Rationale, the Mission of WBS, our Team philosophy, and our Vision, in an effort to help you understand why I believe in WBS.
RATIONALE
Many people have asked, "Why did you come to Wesley Biblical Seminary?"
I did not come to WBS because I had nothing better to do. God has allowed Beth and me to have a twenty-three year fulfilling life and ministry at Kentucky Mountain Bible College . We raised our children there. Throughout those years, I was a full-time volunteer, as were each of us who worked at KMBC. I taught communications and served in two Vice Presidential positions. Beth was a school library media specialist in the Jackson school system. She supported my habit.
Over the past 6 years, God was blessing our lives with a growing evangelistic ministry holding revivals, conferences, and church camps across the Wesleyan-holiness movement. I was enjoying the open doors for ministry and the favor God seemed to be granting me. Beth had one more year as a public school library media specialist before she could retire with full benefits. It seemed like 2014 would be the year she would retire. We were neighbors to my parents, living only two tenths of a mile from them. I knew how to do my job. We had met most of the challenges of life successfully. We were comfortable. Too comfortable.
On December 9th of 2012, God disturbed our comfort. My life-long friend, David Mercer, went to heaven. David and I have been friends since we were 13 and 14 years old. I taught him how to sing bass in chapel at Mount Carmel High School. We sang in a gospel quartet together when we were 16, 17, 18 years old. David, his wife Renee, Beth, and I, graduated from Mount Carmel High School and Kentucky Mountain Bible College together on the same days. Last year, David died at age 51 from a heart attack while on a missions trip in Nicaragua.
Over the next four months, God turned my life upside down. He clearly showed me that I could no longer stay where I was comfortable and simultaneously maximize the limited time of my life in light of eternity. At the encouragement of Dr. Joe Brown, I began praying, "Lord Jesus, where do you need me?" Beth and I sensed a sort of Abrahamic call away from everything we knew into a great unknown. Over four months of praying and seeking God’s direction, then Wesley Biblical Seminary blipped across our radar. God consumed me with WBS. When I tried to escape WBS because the task looming before us looked too large, the Holy Spirit spoke a Divine imperative to my soul, "Go!"
In recent months, I have asked myself, "Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?" I thought back through the years and remembered the influence of people like Dr. Harold Spann and Dr. Eldon Fuhrman. I remember when Dr. Spann preached my home camp meeting at Mount Carmel in Jackson, Kentucky. It was 1969. I was 8 years old. I remember when he recruited Beth and me to Asbury College in 1982. He then raised the scholarship money for us! When Beth and I graduated from Asbury, Dr. Spann graduated to Wesley Biblical Seminary. His presidency helped to shape this institution!
"Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?"
I thought of Dr. Eldon Fuhrman and his wife Blanche Perry Fuhrman. Miss Blanche, a mountain girl from Eastern Kentucky, was a student at Kentucky Mountain Bible Institute in 1939 when it was washed away in a flash flood. Blanche was miraculously spared a certain death. I grew up on the banks of the North Fork of Kentucky River and the Frozen Creek that nearly took her life.
"Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?"
I thought of my own father who received an honorary doctorate from WBS in 1993. My dad, Dr. J. Eldon Neihof, Sr., led the Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association for 22 years.
These people shaped me. They shaped the same tradition that birthed Wesley Biblical Seminary. They shaped Wesley Biblical Seminary. Now, I am called of God to shape this great institution and advance its mission for His glory.
"Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?" As I ask myself this question, I remember the many students that I have taught at Kentucky Mountain Bible College. I remember conversations when I encouraged Eric, Doug, Brian, Jerome, David, Jim, Daniel, Rob, Aaron, Nathan, and others to advance their education at WBS. Many have. The partnership investment of Kentucky Mountain Bible College and Wesley Biblical Seminary into men and women’s lives is a powerful one, shaping them to be mighty for God and His Kingdom building work.
MISSION
I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary because of its mission. Wesley Biblical Seminary exists to advance Christ’s Kingdom through the Church and make disciples of Jesus by offering life-transforming theological education producing Spirit-filled, shepherd-theologians and leaders for the 21st century, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Trinitarian faith, Christ-centered holiness, Biblical authority, and personal accountability.
The mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary is one that is being fulfilled around the world in the lives of our alumni and people they touch. I believe in WBS because of the alumni and friends who insist upon its importance in our world today.
Repeatedly, our alumni tell me, "Wesley Biblical Seminary changed my life!" Nathan Doyle, pastor in Boardman, Ohio told me in July, "Wesley Biblical Seminary changed my life!" Rob Pocai, alumnus, church planter, pastor, and now administrator at WBS, told me, "Wesley Biblical Seminary changed my life!"
Across recent months, WBS alumni have repeatedly told me, "We need Wesley Biblical Seminary!" My friend and WBS alumnus, Reuben Lang’at, uttered urgent words to me in May of this year, as WBS future appeared to be on the ropes, "Brother John, we need WBS!"
My president at KMBC, WBS alumnus Philip Speas’ words to me as I was leaving KMBC were, "We need WBS."
Alumni like Karl Luman, Bruce Moyer, Becky Luman, Nathan Doyle, Rob Pocai, Samuel Bolen, Bubba Humphries, John Moyer, Steve Bagby, Peter Lanigan, Michele Tipton, Randy Huff, and many more have said it to me until it rings in my ears and reverberates in my soul, "John, we need WBS!"
My academic dean at KMBC, Rev. Tom Lorimer, spoke these words to me as I was leaving KMBC, "We need WBS."
My father, Dr. Eldon Neihof’s words to me as I was leaving him and mom and the beautiful hills of East Kentucky, were, "We need WBS!"
My mother’s words to me were the words of Mordecai to Esther that God gave mother for my life as she was expecting me in 1960 and 1961: "Who knows but that thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this!"
Friends, I am no Messiah and I am no martyr. I am no Savior and no hero. I am merely a servant of Jesus Christ who is abandoned to the Christ of the Cross, and the resounding, Divine imperative in my soul is that Jesus needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. I believe in WBS because of its mission.
TEAM
I am amazed at the quality of people with which God has blessed Wesley Biblical Seminary. Gary Cockerill is in his 34th year at WBS. He was granted professor emeritus status at the 2013 commencement ceremonies, only to return as professor and Vice President for Academic affairs this year. Rev. Rob Pocai was the first person I called after my initial informal conversation with Jim Howard and a few trustees on May 4th. Rob is a KMBC and WBS alumnus, and serves as our Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services. Ralph Brown joined our team as Vice President of Business Affairs, leaving a successful career in banking. In February of this year, Ralph sensed the Abrahamic call to leave the comfortable behind and invest in Kingdom business. Johnny Gainey has enjoyed significant success in business and development. He joined the WBS this year as Vice President of Development. In many ways this team is a Dream Team! But we are also a rookie team, and rookie teams will make errors on the field. Indulge us! Give the team permission to drop some balls and make some errors, praying all the while that God will empower us to win the game, for His Glory!
As I beg your indulgence for a rookie team, I implore your patience with a rookie leader. I have spent my career in the second and third chair. Now, I am thrust into a role of greater visibility and responsibility. Although Biblical Higher Education is my world, I am a communicator, not a theologian. Dr. Steve Blakemore makes this caveat, "However, John can think theologically." I guarantee that I will gloss over some of the theological nuances that some of you have built careers upon! Please indulge me. I will make mistakes, please allow me permission to fail. But I promise you that all glory for each success will be given to the risen Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Although the administrative team features some rookies, our classrooms do not. Seasoned veterans, for whom Wesley Biblical Seminary is their legacy, grace our lecterns. Our faculty are the crown jewel of WBS. My son-in-law, Peter Lanigan, WBS class of 2013, informed me of his desire to attend WBS 5 or 6 years ago. From 2007 to 2010, Peter and Katie lived in Nicholasville and Wilmore, Kentucky. I asked Peter, "Why don’t you go to that OTHER school in Wilmore?" He responded, "Because I want to be mentored by the professors at WBS." Each of our full-time faculty has spent double digit years of service at Wesley Biblical Seminary. We honor the excellence that they bring to Biblical and theological graduate education.
Team, having honored the quality of the incredible team God has assembled, I remind you, we are not at Wesley Biblical Seminary because any of us needs credit or recognition, but we are at WBS because Jesus needs glory. If we refuse to touch any glory for any success that WBS enjoys, Jesus will inhabit and bless this place. All glory must be given as an act of worship to the ONE who deserves it, our miracle-working Triune God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are engaging in the miraculous on behalf of the mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary, as we seek to advance Jesus Christ’s Great Commission for His Church, the Body of Christ, until He comes again!
I believe in WBS because of its team.
VISION
The mission of WBS is bigger than the trustees, the administration, the faculty, and the staff put together. It is bigger than our students and alumni. The mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary is bigger than Jackson. It is bigger than Mississippi. It is bigger than the South. Our mission is bigger than the United States of America. The mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary is global in scope and eternal in its consequence.
The VISION for Wesley Biblical Seminary is this! Jesus needs to be glorified through Wesley Biblical Seminary’s rebirth, its mission, and our fulfillment of His Great Commission. Jesus needs Wesley Biblical Seminary.
Our broken, sin-cursed world needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Bishop Robert Lang’at is a Wesley Biblical Seminary alumnus. Bishop Lang’at is bringing Jesus to Kenya through the ministry of Africa Gospel Church, and Dr. Friedeman and I shall join AGC and Bishop Lang’at in that endeavor in December. Ghuna Kumar is a WBS alumnus. Ghuna, the 21st century Saint Paul of India, is bringing Jesus to his homeland. Matt Ayers is a Wesley Biblical Seminary alumnus. Matt is the President of Emmaus Bible College in Haiti. Matt and his WBS educated administrative team of Haitian leaders are bringing Jesus to Haiti.
Our nation needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Bryan Graham is a WBS alumnus. He is building the church of Jesus Christ in Shiloh, Ohio. Jeff Wolheater is a WBS alumnus. He is building the church of Jesus Christ in Indiana. Jerome VanKuiken is a WBS alumnus. He is preparing the next generation of Christian leaders at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Marshall Daigre is a WBS alumnus. He is planting a church in Alabama.
Mississippi needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Tim Burnett is a WBS alumnus. He is bringing Jesus to broken people in Byrum. Dr. Jesse Kelly is a WBS alumnus. He is bringing Jesus to broken people in Mississippi’s prison system. Dr. Becky Luman is an alumnus. She is bringing Jesus to families broken and separated because of sin, crimes, convictions, and incarceration. Numerous church groups of the Wesleyan heritage across our state are looking to WBS to prepare their next generation of pastors, theologians, and leaders. The African Methodist Episcopal Church, the AME Zion, the Church of Christ Holiness, the Church of God in Christ, the Association of Independent Methodists, the Congregational Methodists, the Methodist Protestants, the Church of the Nazarene, the United Methodist Church, and beyond, are looking to Wesley Biblical Seminary.
Jackson, Mississippi needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Matt Neumann is a WBS alumnus. He is bringing Jesus to broken people in Pearl and Brandon. Emily Smith is one of our current students. Emily is bringing Jesus to Japanese people living in the Jackson area. Matt Friedeman is one of our professors. He is bringing people to Jesus through an ambitious program of personal discipleship, soul-winning, prison ministry, and pro-life endeavors. One WBS Trustee has repeatedly complimented Matt for the boldness and courage for Christ that he models and instills in our students. Carey Vinzant is a WBS alumnus and part-time professor. Carey brings Jesus to agnostics and atheists who are often on the fringes of the culture, people who are constructing meaning upon emptiness and brokenness.
Vision! Why do we need WBS? We need Wesley Biblical Seminary because Jesus needs Wesley Biblical Seminary! Wesley Biblical Seminary exists to advance Christ’s Kingdom through the Church and make disciples of Jesus by offering life-transforming theological education producing Spirit-filled, shepherd-theologians and leaders for the 21st century, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Trinitarian faith, Christ-centered holiness, Biblical authority, and personal accountability.
We need Wesley Biblical Seminary because of the souls whom we serve. WBS serves the world. Our alumni are in 52 countries, fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission. WBS serves the African-American church in Mississippi. WBS serves the broader Wesleyan-Holiness movement. WBS serves Christ and His Kingdom. We need Wesley Biblical Seminary!
One of the greatest temptations our historically Wesleyan-holiness institutions face is the temptation to loose ourselves from our historical and theological moorings in the quest for respectability. If WBS drifts, we will start with softening our position on a clear second crisis of entire sanctification, subsequent to regeneration. Such a drift would minimize the importance of a process of growth in grace culminating in a clear crisis of death to self and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, followed by further growth in grace along with fresh and frequent infillings of the Spirit. Such a drift would abandon the insistence for the crisis of entire sanctification, and in its place substitute a process.
Drift.
Vision.
In order to have a vision forward, Wesley Biblical Seminary must have a clear vision of its past, its history, its distinctives, and the reasons for which God raised us up. We must understand why we have a right to exist. Our right to exist is founded upon the distinctives that birthed us. We are a Wesleyan-holiness seminary that believes in the inerrant and authoritative Word of God, the Holy Bible. If, in a misplaced quest for respectability and recognition, WBS drifts toward the mainstream of evangelical protestantism, and seeks to become a generic evangelical institution, we lose our right to exist. There are other seminaries that can do generic evangelical protestant theological education better than WBS. But if we remember who we are and we seek fulfill our mission under Christ, WBS can be great for the glory of God!
CONCLUSION
Mission, team, and vision. That’s why I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary!
Wesley Biblical Seminary exists to advance Christ’s Kingdom through the Church and make disciples of Jesus by offering life-transforming theological education producing Spirit-filled, shepherd-theologians and leaders for the 21st century, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Trinitarian faith, Christ-centered holiness, Biblical authority, and personal accountability.
I believe that Wesley Biblical Seminary is poised to be the premiere Wesleyan Holiness institution in the world to advance the message of scriptural holiness as founded upon the inerrant and authoritative Word of God, the Holy Bible. Why? So that WBS can advance its own name for its own sake? God forbid! Any favor, any measure of success, any preeminence that God allows WBS to achieve must always be for the Glory of God, the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom, and the spread of scriptural holiness!
Friends, Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, President Emeritus Spann, Mom and Dad, Beth, thank you for coming to Wesley Biblical Seminary for this convocation and installation service.
My life direction has taken a radical turn in the last few weeks and months. As God began to draw my wife, Beth, and me toward Wesley Biblical Seminary, I began to ask myself the question, "Why do I believe in WBS?" I want to share with you some of my Rationale, the Mission of WBS, our Team philosophy, and our Vision, in an effort to help you understand why I believe in WBS.
RATIONALE
Many people have asked, "Why did you come to Wesley Biblical Seminary?"
I did not come to WBS because I had nothing better to do. God has allowed Beth and me to have a twenty-three year fulfilling life and ministry at Kentucky Mountain Bible College . We raised our children there. Throughout those years, I was a full-time volunteer, as were each of us who worked at KMBC. I taught communications and served in two Vice Presidential positions. Beth was a school library media specialist in the Jackson school system. She supported my habit.
Over the past 6 years, God was blessing our lives with a growing evangelistic ministry holding revivals, conferences, and church camps across the Wesleyan-holiness movement. I was enjoying the open doors for ministry and the favor God seemed to be granting me. Beth had one more year as a public school library media specialist before she could retire with full benefits. It seemed like 2014 would be the year she would retire. We were neighbors to my parents, living only two tenths of a mile from them. I knew how to do my job. We had met most of the challenges of life successfully. We were comfortable. Too comfortable.
On December 9th of 2012, God disturbed our comfort. My life-long friend, David Mercer, went to heaven. David and I have been friends since we were 13 and 14 years old. I taught him how to sing bass in chapel at Mount Carmel High School. We sang in a gospel quartet together when we were 16, 17, 18 years old. David, his wife Renee, Beth, and I, graduated from Mount Carmel High School and Kentucky Mountain Bible College together on the same days. Last year, David died at age 51 from a heart attack while on a missions trip in Nicaragua.
Over the next four months, God turned my life upside down. He clearly showed me that I could no longer stay where I was comfortable and simultaneously maximize the limited time of my life in light of eternity. At the encouragement of Dr. Joe Brown, I began praying, "Lord Jesus, where do you need me?" Beth and I sensed a sort of Abrahamic call away from everything we knew into a great unknown. Over four months of praying and seeking God’s direction, then Wesley Biblical Seminary blipped across our radar. God consumed me with WBS. When I tried to escape WBS because the task looming before us looked too large, the Holy Spirit spoke a Divine imperative to my soul, "Go!"
In recent months, I have asked myself, "Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?" I thought back through the years and remembered the influence of people like Dr. Harold Spann and Dr. Eldon Fuhrman. I remember when Dr. Spann preached my home camp meeting at Mount Carmel in Jackson, Kentucky. It was 1969. I was 8 years old. I remember when he recruited Beth and me to Asbury College in 1982. He then raised the scholarship money for us! When Beth and I graduated from Asbury, Dr. Spann graduated to Wesley Biblical Seminary. His presidency helped to shape this institution!
"Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?"
I thought of Dr. Eldon Fuhrman and his wife Blanche Perry Fuhrman. Miss Blanche, a mountain girl from Eastern Kentucky, was a student at Kentucky Mountain Bible Institute in 1939 when it was washed away in a flash flood. Blanche was miraculously spared a certain death. I grew up on the banks of the North Fork of Kentucky River and the Frozen Creek that nearly took her life.
"Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?"
I thought of my own father who received an honorary doctorate from WBS in 1993. My dad, Dr. J. Eldon Neihof, Sr., led the Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association for 22 years.
These people shaped me. They shaped the same tradition that birthed Wesley Biblical Seminary. They shaped Wesley Biblical Seminary. Now, I am called of God to shape this great institution and advance its mission for His glory.
"Why do I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary?" As I ask myself this question, I remember the many students that I have taught at Kentucky Mountain Bible College. I remember conversations when I encouraged Eric, Doug, Brian, Jerome, David, Jim, Daniel, Rob, Aaron, Nathan, and others to advance their education at WBS. Many have. The partnership investment of Kentucky Mountain Bible College and Wesley Biblical Seminary into men and women’s lives is a powerful one, shaping them to be mighty for God and His Kingdom building work.
MISSION
I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary because of its mission. Wesley Biblical Seminary exists to advance Christ’s Kingdom through the Church and make disciples of Jesus by offering life-transforming theological education producing Spirit-filled, shepherd-theologians and leaders for the 21st century, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Trinitarian faith, Christ-centered holiness, Biblical authority, and personal accountability.
The mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary is one that is being fulfilled around the world in the lives of our alumni and people they touch. I believe in WBS because of the alumni and friends who insist upon its importance in our world today.
Repeatedly, our alumni tell me, "Wesley Biblical Seminary changed my life!" Nathan Doyle, pastor in Boardman, Ohio told me in July, "Wesley Biblical Seminary changed my life!" Rob Pocai, alumnus, church planter, pastor, and now administrator at WBS, told me, "Wesley Biblical Seminary changed my life!"
Across recent months, WBS alumni have repeatedly told me, "We need Wesley Biblical Seminary!" My friend and WBS alumnus, Reuben Lang’at, uttered urgent words to me in May of this year, as WBS future appeared to be on the ropes, "Brother John, we need WBS!"
My president at KMBC, WBS alumnus Philip Speas’ words to me as I was leaving KMBC were, "We need WBS."
Alumni like Karl Luman, Bruce Moyer, Becky Luman, Nathan Doyle, Rob Pocai, Samuel Bolen, Bubba Humphries, John Moyer, Steve Bagby, Peter Lanigan, Michele Tipton, Randy Huff, and many more have said it to me until it rings in my ears and reverberates in my soul, "John, we need WBS!"
My academic dean at KMBC, Rev. Tom Lorimer, spoke these words to me as I was leaving KMBC, "We need WBS."
My father, Dr. Eldon Neihof’s words to me as I was leaving him and mom and the beautiful hills of East Kentucky, were, "We need WBS!"
My mother’s words to me were the words of Mordecai to Esther that God gave mother for my life as she was expecting me in 1960 and 1961: "Who knows but that thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this!"
Friends, I am no Messiah and I am no martyr. I am no Savior and no hero. I am merely a servant of Jesus Christ who is abandoned to the Christ of the Cross, and the resounding, Divine imperative in my soul is that Jesus needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. I believe in WBS because of its mission.
TEAM
I am amazed at the quality of people with which God has blessed Wesley Biblical Seminary. Gary Cockerill is in his 34th year at WBS. He was granted professor emeritus status at the 2013 commencement ceremonies, only to return as professor and Vice President for Academic affairs this year. Rev. Rob Pocai was the first person I called after my initial informal conversation with Jim Howard and a few trustees on May 4th. Rob is a KMBC and WBS alumnus, and serves as our Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services. Ralph Brown joined our team as Vice President of Business Affairs, leaving a successful career in banking. In February of this year, Ralph sensed the Abrahamic call to leave the comfortable behind and invest in Kingdom business. Johnny Gainey has enjoyed significant success in business and development. He joined the WBS this year as Vice President of Development. In many ways this team is a Dream Team! But we are also a rookie team, and rookie teams will make errors on the field. Indulge us! Give the team permission to drop some balls and make some errors, praying all the while that God will empower us to win the game, for His Glory!
As I beg your indulgence for a rookie team, I implore your patience with a rookie leader. I have spent my career in the second and third chair. Now, I am thrust into a role of greater visibility and responsibility. Although Biblical Higher Education is my world, I am a communicator, not a theologian. Dr. Steve Blakemore makes this caveat, "However, John can think theologically." I guarantee that I will gloss over some of the theological nuances that some of you have built careers upon! Please indulge me. I will make mistakes, please allow me permission to fail. But I promise you that all glory for each success will be given to the risen Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Although the administrative team features some rookies, our classrooms do not. Seasoned veterans, for whom Wesley Biblical Seminary is their legacy, grace our lecterns. Our faculty are the crown jewel of WBS. My son-in-law, Peter Lanigan, WBS class of 2013, informed me of his desire to attend WBS 5 or 6 years ago. From 2007 to 2010, Peter and Katie lived in Nicholasville and Wilmore, Kentucky. I asked Peter, "Why don’t you go to that OTHER school in Wilmore?" He responded, "Because I want to be mentored by the professors at WBS." Each of our full-time faculty has spent double digit years of service at Wesley Biblical Seminary. We honor the excellence that they bring to Biblical and theological graduate education.
Team, having honored the quality of the incredible team God has assembled, I remind you, we are not at Wesley Biblical Seminary because any of us needs credit or recognition, but we are at WBS because Jesus needs glory. If we refuse to touch any glory for any success that WBS enjoys, Jesus will inhabit and bless this place. All glory must be given as an act of worship to the ONE who deserves it, our miracle-working Triune God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are engaging in the miraculous on behalf of the mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary, as we seek to advance Jesus Christ’s Great Commission for His Church, the Body of Christ, until He comes again!
I believe in WBS because of its team.
VISION
The mission of WBS is bigger than the trustees, the administration, the faculty, and the staff put together. It is bigger than our students and alumni. The mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary is bigger than Jackson. It is bigger than Mississippi. It is bigger than the South. Our mission is bigger than the United States of America. The mission of Wesley Biblical Seminary is global in scope and eternal in its consequence.
The VISION for Wesley Biblical Seminary is this! Jesus needs to be glorified through Wesley Biblical Seminary’s rebirth, its mission, and our fulfillment of His Great Commission. Jesus needs Wesley Biblical Seminary.
Our broken, sin-cursed world needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Bishop Robert Lang’at is a Wesley Biblical Seminary alumnus. Bishop Lang’at is bringing Jesus to Kenya through the ministry of Africa Gospel Church, and Dr. Friedeman and I shall join AGC and Bishop Lang’at in that endeavor in December. Ghuna Kumar is a WBS alumnus. Ghuna, the 21st century Saint Paul of India, is bringing Jesus to his homeland. Matt Ayers is a Wesley Biblical Seminary alumnus. Matt is the President of Emmaus Bible College in Haiti. Matt and his WBS educated administrative team of Haitian leaders are bringing Jesus to Haiti.
Our nation needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Bryan Graham is a WBS alumnus. He is building the church of Jesus Christ in Shiloh, Ohio. Jeff Wolheater is a WBS alumnus. He is building the church of Jesus Christ in Indiana. Jerome VanKuiken is a WBS alumnus. He is preparing the next generation of Christian leaders at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Marshall Daigre is a WBS alumnus. He is planting a church in Alabama.
Mississippi needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Tim Burnett is a WBS alumnus. He is bringing Jesus to broken people in Byrum. Dr. Jesse Kelly is a WBS alumnus. He is bringing Jesus to broken people in Mississippi’s prison system. Dr. Becky Luman is an alumnus. She is bringing Jesus to families broken and separated because of sin, crimes, convictions, and incarceration. Numerous church groups of the Wesleyan heritage across our state are looking to WBS to prepare their next generation of pastors, theologians, and leaders. The African Methodist Episcopal Church, the AME Zion, the Church of Christ Holiness, the Church of God in Christ, the Association of Independent Methodists, the Congregational Methodists, the Methodist Protestants, the Church of the Nazarene, the United Methodist Church, and beyond, are looking to Wesley Biblical Seminary.
Jackson, Mississippi needs Wesley Biblical Seminary. Matt Neumann is a WBS alumnus. He is bringing Jesus to broken people in Pearl and Brandon. Emily Smith is one of our current students. Emily is bringing Jesus to Japanese people living in the Jackson area. Matt Friedeman is one of our professors. He is bringing people to Jesus through an ambitious program of personal discipleship, soul-winning, prison ministry, and pro-life endeavors. One WBS Trustee has repeatedly complimented Matt for the boldness and courage for Christ that he models and instills in our students. Carey Vinzant is a WBS alumnus and part-time professor. Carey brings Jesus to agnostics and atheists who are often on the fringes of the culture, people who are constructing meaning upon emptiness and brokenness.
Vision! Why do we need WBS? We need Wesley Biblical Seminary because Jesus needs Wesley Biblical Seminary! Wesley Biblical Seminary exists to advance Christ’s Kingdom through the Church and make disciples of Jesus by offering life-transforming theological education producing Spirit-filled, shepherd-theologians and leaders for the 21st century, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Trinitarian faith, Christ-centered holiness, Biblical authority, and personal accountability.
We need Wesley Biblical Seminary because of the souls whom we serve. WBS serves the world. Our alumni are in 52 countries, fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission. WBS serves the African-American church in Mississippi. WBS serves the broader Wesleyan-Holiness movement. WBS serves Christ and His Kingdom. We need Wesley Biblical Seminary!
One of the greatest temptations our historically Wesleyan-holiness institutions face is the temptation to loose ourselves from our historical and theological moorings in the quest for respectability. If WBS drifts, we will start with softening our position on a clear second crisis of entire sanctification, subsequent to regeneration. Such a drift would minimize the importance of a process of growth in grace culminating in a clear crisis of death to self and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, followed by further growth in grace along with fresh and frequent infillings of the Spirit. Such a drift would abandon the insistence for the crisis of entire sanctification, and in its place substitute a process.
Drift.
Vision.
In order to have a vision forward, Wesley Biblical Seminary must have a clear vision of its past, its history, its distinctives, and the reasons for which God raised us up. We must understand why we have a right to exist. Our right to exist is founded upon the distinctives that birthed us. We are a Wesleyan-holiness seminary that believes in the inerrant and authoritative Word of God, the Holy Bible. If, in a misplaced quest for respectability and recognition, WBS drifts toward the mainstream of evangelical protestantism, and seeks to become a generic evangelical institution, we lose our right to exist. There are other seminaries that can do generic evangelical protestant theological education better than WBS. But if we remember who we are and we seek fulfill our mission under Christ, WBS can be great for the glory of God!
CONCLUSION
Mission, team, and vision. That’s why I believe in Wesley Biblical Seminary!
Wesley Biblical Seminary exists to advance Christ’s Kingdom through the Church and make disciples of Jesus by offering life-transforming theological education producing Spirit-filled, shepherd-theologians and leaders for the 21st century, who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Trinitarian faith, Christ-centered holiness, Biblical authority, and personal accountability.
I believe that Wesley Biblical Seminary is poised to be the premiere Wesleyan Holiness institution in the world to advance the message of scriptural holiness as founded upon the inerrant and authoritative Word of God, the Holy Bible. Why? So that WBS can advance its own name for its own sake? God forbid! Any favor, any measure of success, any preeminence that God allows WBS to achieve must always be for the Glory of God, the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom, and the spread of scriptural holiness!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Seeking God's Direction
I wrote this personal essay/testimony on April 17, 2013. I sensed God drawing me toward Wesley Biblical Seminary about two weeks later. Perhaps my testimony will help you discern God's direction for your life.
I am prayerfully seeking God’s direction for the next step of obedience in my life. For some time, I have had a growing awareness and sense that God has another avenue of ministry and service for me that will allow me to make a stronger, deeper, and wider impact for Christ and for eternity in the last 15-20 years of my ministry. This awareness has been clarified since the death of my friend, Pastor David Mercer, December 9, 2012.
I found myself at Hillside Wesleyan Church, Port Huron, Michigan, watching as hundreds of people passed David’s casket. I stood among 1500 mourners at his homegoing service. I grieved with them. I found myself praying, "Lord Jesus, help me to maximize the impact of my life for your glory in the closing years of work and ministry."
The Lord has allowed me a breadth of experience that I believe he wants to draw upon. My passion is preaching holiness. I love pulpit ministry and evangelism. I also have skills and a wealth of experience in working with people, administration, counseling, accreditation, planning and assessment, development, fund-raising, public relations, and teaching. I have written countless policies, procedures, assessment documents, and evaluations. God has gifted me to see through complex situations rather quickly and reach some kind of evaluative assessment, and construct or direct others in creating a path forward. People respond to my leadership. I enjoy bringing people together to find solutions and accomplish tasks.
Beth and I have raised our children. Nathan and Melissa are happily married and in ministry together at Hillside Wesleyan Church, Port Huron, Michigan. Katie and Peter are enjoying raising a young family and pastoring a small congregation in Monticello, Mississippi. Beth can retire with full benefits in August, 2014, but have a flexible timetable. I am ready, willing, and able to mind God and do whatever I can to advance His Kingdom. My precious wife is my helpmate and friend. She supports whatever direction God has for us as we are seeking His leadership.
My life and ministry at Kentucky Mountain Bible College has been full and rewarding. We have invested in eternity, and do not want to stop doing so. I have lived without a living wage salary, living by faith in God and faith in Beth to provide for our material needs. God has done so abundantly. We have blessings that rich folks cannot afford, for which we are thankful; however, we hold all the material resources loosely and seek to use them to advance Christ’s Kingdom. But in these latter years of work and ministry, I would like an opportunity to work in a capacity that I can be a good provider for my wife. I feel as if it is my turn. I have been a full-time volunteer at KMBC for 21 years, starting here fresh out of Graduate School. To do so, I have nearly taken a vow of poverty, although God has seen to it that our family has never done without necessities, often providing extra blessings! Our cabin in the woods, good cars, lovely home furnishings, retirement accounts... all have come as a blessing from HIM! We are blessed. I praise the Lord for His provision! I will continue to praise Him with investing of my time, talent, and treasure in Kingdom building!
I am seeking God’s direction. John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer speaks profoundly to me.
I think that I can pray most of Wesley’s prayer sincerely. I stumble over being "laid aside for thee." I do not sense called to being "laid aside" at this season, nor do I relish that thought when the time comes. I have lived the prayer "Let me have all things, let me have nothing." I consider a major life change only because of a deep stirring in my soul, which I believe to be ordered by the Holy Spirit, as best as I understand His leading.
I have enjoyed the years of work at KMBC. I have enjoyed working with Dr. Speas, Mr. Lorimer and my colleagues here. I have been conscious that I am investing in eternity in the lives of our students. I have played a good second and even third fiddle in the orchestra of ministry here. Personal growth opportunities have been many. Dr. Speas has allowed me tremendous latitude of opportunities in ministry with evangelism and accreditation work with ABHE. For that, I am grateful. Now, these years of ministry appear to be coming to a season of completion. I have done my part. I have completed this phase of eternal investment. A sense of fulfillment and release is upon me.
I am looking forward with a sense of hope and anticipation. I believe that God has something fresh, new, challenging, fulfilling, and eternal ahead for Beth and me. I face the unknown future with faith and confidence in God, and wholehearted desire to do His Will. I want the remainder of my effective years of service to be spent maximally for Him. I want to live with maximum eternal impact for Christ. My sense is that God is calling me to some change of service and ministry in order to effect the fulfillment of this God-given desire in my heart.
I will obey. I just don’t know the path. I don’t know if this path is pastoral, a university chaplaincy, evangelism, consultancy, denominational administration, or a mission agency. My passion is to preach holiness and to help people to get established in that grace. I don’t want to pursue this path of change with secular self-promotion. I want to pursue this path of change with trust in God and obedience to His direction. I purpose to seek Him and His direction. I will obey.
I am prayerfully seeking God’s direction for the next step of obedience in my life. For some time, I have had a growing awareness and sense that God has another avenue of ministry and service for me that will allow me to make a stronger, deeper, and wider impact for Christ and for eternity in the last 15-20 years of my ministry. This awareness has been clarified since the death of my friend, Pastor David Mercer, December 9, 2012.
I found myself at Hillside Wesleyan Church, Port Huron, Michigan, watching as hundreds of people passed David’s casket. I stood among 1500 mourners at his homegoing service. I grieved with them. I found myself praying, "Lord Jesus, help me to maximize the impact of my life for your glory in the closing years of work and ministry."
The Lord has allowed me a breadth of experience that I believe he wants to draw upon. My passion is preaching holiness. I love pulpit ministry and evangelism. I also have skills and a wealth of experience in working with people, administration, counseling, accreditation, planning and assessment, development, fund-raising, public relations, and teaching. I have written countless policies, procedures, assessment documents, and evaluations. God has gifted me to see through complex situations rather quickly and reach some kind of evaluative assessment, and construct or direct others in creating a path forward. People respond to my leadership. I enjoy bringing people together to find solutions and accomplish tasks.
Beth and I have raised our children. Nathan and Melissa are happily married and in ministry together at Hillside Wesleyan Church, Port Huron, Michigan. Katie and Peter are enjoying raising a young family and pastoring a small congregation in Monticello, Mississippi. Beth can retire with full benefits in August, 2014, but have a flexible timetable. I am ready, willing, and able to mind God and do whatever I can to advance His Kingdom. My precious wife is my helpmate and friend. She supports whatever direction God has for us as we are seeking His leadership.
My life and ministry at Kentucky Mountain Bible College has been full and rewarding. We have invested in eternity, and do not want to stop doing so. I have lived without a living wage salary, living by faith in God and faith in Beth to provide for our material needs. God has done so abundantly. We have blessings that rich folks cannot afford, for which we are thankful; however, we hold all the material resources loosely and seek to use them to advance Christ’s Kingdom. But in these latter years of work and ministry, I would like an opportunity to work in a capacity that I can be a good provider for my wife. I feel as if it is my turn. I have been a full-time volunteer at KMBC for 21 years, starting here fresh out of Graduate School. To do so, I have nearly taken a vow of poverty, although God has seen to it that our family has never done without necessities, often providing extra blessings! Our cabin in the woods, good cars, lovely home furnishings, retirement accounts... all have come as a blessing from HIM! We are blessed. I praise the Lord for His provision! I will continue to praise Him with investing of my time, talent, and treasure in Kingdom building!
I am seeking God’s direction. John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer speaks profoundly to me.
I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for Thee or laid aside for Thee,
exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, and I am Thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
I think that I can pray most of Wesley’s prayer sincerely. I stumble over being "laid aside for thee." I do not sense called to being "laid aside" at this season, nor do I relish that thought when the time comes. I have lived the prayer "Let me have all things, let me have nothing." I consider a major life change only because of a deep stirring in my soul, which I believe to be ordered by the Holy Spirit, as best as I understand His leading.
I have enjoyed the years of work at KMBC. I have enjoyed working with Dr. Speas, Mr. Lorimer and my colleagues here. I have been conscious that I am investing in eternity in the lives of our students. I have played a good second and even third fiddle in the orchestra of ministry here. Personal growth opportunities have been many. Dr. Speas has allowed me tremendous latitude of opportunities in ministry with evangelism and accreditation work with ABHE. For that, I am grateful. Now, these years of ministry appear to be coming to a season of completion. I have done my part. I have completed this phase of eternal investment. A sense of fulfillment and release is upon me.
I am looking forward with a sense of hope and anticipation. I believe that God has something fresh, new, challenging, fulfilling, and eternal ahead for Beth and me. I face the unknown future with faith and confidence in God, and wholehearted desire to do His Will. I want the remainder of my effective years of service to be spent maximally for Him. I want to live with maximum eternal impact for Christ. My sense is that God is calling me to some change of service and ministry in order to effect the fulfillment of this God-given desire in my heart.
I will obey. I just don’t know the path. I don’t know if this path is pastoral, a university chaplaincy, evangelism, consultancy, denominational administration, or a mission agency. My passion is to preach holiness and to help people to get established in that grace. I don’t want to pursue this path of change with secular self-promotion. I want to pursue this path of change with trust in God and obedience to His direction. I purpose to seek Him and His direction. I will obey.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Hilma Bouck--A MOTHER IN ISRAEL
We all called her “Aunt Hilma.” I knew “Aunt Hilma” and her husband “Uncle Louie” all of my life. They were my neighbors on the Kentucky Mountain Bible College campus where I grew up.
Aunt Hilma was an incredible, Godly woman. A first impression of Aunt Hilma was that she was warm, yet dignified. A second impression of Aunt Hilma was that her dignity could quickly morph into sternness. But Aunt Hilma had a sense of humor that endeared her to students and campus families alike.
In the classroom, Aunt Hilma became Mrs. Bouck. Her love for the Old Testament, especially the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah was inspiring. As she read the Scripture, her voice was pregnant with emotion. But Mrs. Bouck’s true specialty was church history. I remember how she would tell the stories of the people, their times, and their lives with a freshness and clarity that fueled my imagination.
Mrs. Bouck had studied the saints through the ages. She knew the passion, purity, and perspectives for which the saints had lived and died. She told the stories of martyrdom with tears in her eyes. And then, this dignified lady whom I considered to be one of the holiest people I knew, shocked her entire church history class.
“I don’t know that I have the grace I need to suffer and die for my Lord Jesus, if circumstances of life demand it! In fact, I know that I don’t have the grace to be a martyr for Christ.”
We sat in classroom desk chairs surrounded by wains-coated walls and high ceilings, fluorescent light fixtures suspended above our heads. I was absolutely astonished! “NO!” my mind screamed. “Not Aunt Hilma! She would never disown Christ!”
Mrs. Bouck was still talking. I tuned back in. She had my attention now. “But if circumstances ever demand that I die for my faith in Jesus Christ, I know that God will give me the grace in the moment of need!”
College chapel services were guaranteed to be a special treat when Aunt Hilma led the service. She often led us in singing the historical hymns of Methodism and the church. Each verse was frequently read before it was sung, assuring that the singers maximized their understanding of its message. New vocabulary was always defined and explained. I learned the lesser known hymns of Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, and others with all of their many verses because Mrs. Bouck insisted we sing them, usually from an ancient Methodist hymnal.
Aunt Hilma never had a great home with finery. She did not possess fine linens, beautiful china, lovely silver, or even her own children. Aunt Hilma and Uncle Louie had never been able to have children. The story was that they had tried to adopt, but had been denied because of the meager income of their sacrificial, missionary lifestyle.
In spite of their childlessness, Aunt Hilma and Uncle Louie were parents to many. When we campus children celebrated birthdays, we could always count on a birthday card from Aunt Hilma and Uncle Louie. Usually the personalized inscription was written on an enclosed piece of paper, the envelope left tucked rather than stuck, and the option to re-use the card was preserved for the recipient by the thrifty givers.
Aunt Hilma was the Kentucky Mountain Bible College Dean of Women during my season of enrollment. That meant that I had to seek her permission for social privileges–dating the girl of my dreams–whom I later married. That event occasioned an interview and a confrontation with the gracious, dignified, nearly stern Mrs. Bouck, but permission was granted!
Beth and I loved Aunt Hilma. Beth even traveled with her on singing groups for the college. She tells how the moment Aunt Hilma awoke and rolled out of bed, she fell to her knees in prayer! Such holy habits were alarming, yet winsome to young people in their late teens and early twenties. However, Aunt Hilma softened her image dramatically when she blew her straw paper off the straw and across the plastic McDonald’s restaurant table careening off the young singers and into the neighboring booth filled with unknown diners!
When Aunt Hilma turned 80 years old, she professed herself to be an octo-geranium! No longer in the classroom, Aunt Hilma assisted in the library. The library was in transition from an analog system of card catalogs to a digital computerized system. Aunt Hilma volunteered to assist with data entry into the computer. Never having used computers throughout her life, Aunt Hilma soon learned the basic tasks and was proving to be a valuable asset in the monumental data entry project. One day another library staff person was using the terminal Aunt Hilma usually used. "I can't do my work," she exclaimed. "Someone else is using MY computer!"
Toward the end of life, Aunt Hilma was diagnosed with cancer. Surgery only seemed to hasten her decline, but her radiance and warmth never diminished.
Never a parent to birth children, but she was “Aunt Hilma” to countless campus children and college students. She was truly a “mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7).
Aunt Hilma was an incredible, Godly woman. A first impression of Aunt Hilma was that she was warm, yet dignified. A second impression of Aunt Hilma was that her dignity could quickly morph into sternness. But Aunt Hilma had a sense of humor that endeared her to students and campus families alike.
In the classroom, Aunt Hilma became Mrs. Bouck. Her love for the Old Testament, especially the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah was inspiring. As she read the Scripture, her voice was pregnant with emotion. But Mrs. Bouck’s true specialty was church history. I remember how she would tell the stories of the people, their times, and their lives with a freshness and clarity that fueled my imagination.
Mrs. Bouck had studied the saints through the ages. She knew the passion, purity, and perspectives for which the saints had lived and died. She told the stories of martyrdom with tears in her eyes. And then, this dignified lady whom I considered to be one of the holiest people I knew, shocked her entire church history class.
“I don’t know that I have the grace I need to suffer and die for my Lord Jesus, if circumstances of life demand it! In fact, I know that I don’t have the grace to be a martyr for Christ.”
We sat in classroom desk chairs surrounded by wains-coated walls and high ceilings, fluorescent light fixtures suspended above our heads. I was absolutely astonished! “NO!” my mind screamed. “Not Aunt Hilma! She would never disown Christ!”
Mrs. Bouck was still talking. I tuned back in. She had my attention now. “But if circumstances ever demand that I die for my faith in Jesus Christ, I know that God will give me the grace in the moment of need!”
College chapel services were guaranteed to be a special treat when Aunt Hilma led the service. She often led us in singing the historical hymns of Methodism and the church. Each verse was frequently read before it was sung, assuring that the singers maximized their understanding of its message. New vocabulary was always defined and explained. I learned the lesser known hymns of Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, and others with all of their many verses because Mrs. Bouck insisted we sing them, usually from an ancient Methodist hymnal.
Aunt Hilma never had a great home with finery. She did not possess fine linens, beautiful china, lovely silver, or even her own children. Aunt Hilma and Uncle Louie had never been able to have children. The story was that they had tried to adopt, but had been denied because of the meager income of their sacrificial, missionary lifestyle.
In spite of their childlessness, Aunt Hilma and Uncle Louie were parents to many. When we campus children celebrated birthdays, we could always count on a birthday card from Aunt Hilma and Uncle Louie. Usually the personalized inscription was written on an enclosed piece of paper, the envelope left tucked rather than stuck, and the option to re-use the card was preserved for the recipient by the thrifty givers.
Aunt Hilma was the Kentucky Mountain Bible College Dean of Women during my season of enrollment. That meant that I had to seek her permission for social privileges–dating the girl of my dreams–whom I later married. That event occasioned an interview and a confrontation with the gracious, dignified, nearly stern Mrs. Bouck, but permission was granted!
Beth and I loved Aunt Hilma. Beth even traveled with her on singing groups for the college. She tells how the moment Aunt Hilma awoke and rolled out of bed, she fell to her knees in prayer! Such holy habits were alarming, yet winsome to young people in their late teens and early twenties. However, Aunt Hilma softened her image dramatically when she blew her straw paper off the straw and across the plastic McDonald’s restaurant table careening off the young singers and into the neighboring booth filled with unknown diners!
When Aunt Hilma turned 80 years old, she professed herself to be an octo-geranium! No longer in the classroom, Aunt Hilma assisted in the library. The library was in transition from an analog system of card catalogs to a digital computerized system. Aunt Hilma volunteered to assist with data entry into the computer. Never having used computers throughout her life, Aunt Hilma soon learned the basic tasks and was proving to be a valuable asset in the monumental data entry project. One day another library staff person was using the terminal Aunt Hilma usually used. "I can't do my work," she exclaimed. "Someone else is using MY computer!"
Toward the end of life, Aunt Hilma was diagnosed with cancer. Surgery only seemed to hasten her decline, but her radiance and warmth never diminished.
Never a parent to birth children, but she was “Aunt Hilma” to countless campus children and college students. She was truly a “mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7).
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