Friday, September 30, 2011

Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series – This week we will begin a new preaching series focusing on stewardship. As believers we understand God as the giver of every good and perfect gift. We consistently call on God to help provide for us in our day to day lives. And God answers. Over the next three weeks we will look at our response to God's faithfulness as we explore the idea of stewardship through the lens of management, investment, and commitment. Bring a friend and I hope to see you there!



2. Upcoming Bible Study - Starting Thursday, October 6th we will begin a new Bible study entitled, “Yes Lord I Have Sinned But I Have Several Excellent Excuses” by the Rev. James Moore. Sin is something that affects all of us and this study will help us learn how to take ownership of our sin, be more readily able to recognize temptations in our lives that will lead to sin, as well as help us understand the hope and grace that is ours through Jesus Christ. The class will last for seven weeks and will be offered at two different times: 10:00am and 7:00pm. The cost is free. If you would like the book, which is not required, it is $12. To register for this class, you can register on the website by clicking here - Bible Study Registration, fill out the insert in this week's bulletin, or contact the church office.



3. Flu Shots – Sunday, October 2, is our Druid Hills UMC flu shot clinic immediately following worship from 11:30 am to 1 pm in the Church Library. If you would like to participate, there is a sign-up sheet at the Connection Station. Please be sure to bring your insurance cards with you. The cash price is $25, and sorry, no HMOs. We need 50 people to sign up for us to be able to offer this clinic next year, so take advantage of the convenience. If you have any questions, please see Joyce Baugher.




4. Craft Show – From Joyce Baugher and our Craft Fair Committee: Our first craft show is just around the corner and the excitement is building. We have a good variety of vendors and they are excited also. Fellowship Hall will be full of shoppers (we hope) and what a great way to introduce folks to our church. All proceeds will go toward new floor covering in Fellowship Hall. We will need help in this undertaking as time gets closer. If you have any questions, please see Joyce Baugher.



5. Pumpkin Patch – Our first shipment of pumpkins arrive October 12th and then our pumpkin patch will be in full swing. If you would like to help there are many ways; unloading pumpkins, reading stories to the children's groups; working a shift selling the pumpkins; and several other ways. We need everyone's help to make this a wonderful experience for all. Please see Roy Baugher or call the church office to sign up to help.






Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Midweek Moment

This week I spent a day in Lakeland at a Church by Size seminar. This was actually a one day session that was a follow up to the three day session I attended earlier this year. Basically what this seminar is intended to do is help us understand a few “best practices” for strengthening a congregation. They have divided these into sessions for large to mega sized churches, middle sized churches, and small family style churches.

At our first session earlier this year, there were a whole multitude of practices taught, discussed, analyzed, and conveyed. We talked about laity and pastoral involvement, the inherent dynamics of each size of church, the importance of discipling, tips on how to conduct meetings and design agendas, and whole host of other topics. I learned a great deal from this first seminar and came back home energized and excited for what we can accomplish.

This time it was simply an opportunity to come back, six months later, and share what we have tried, talk about challenges we faced, and get encouragement from each other. We went around the room and came up with about eight questions that were the most pressing for the group and that is how we spent our day. We discussed those eight questions and spent time, talking, sharing, analyzing, and finding resources to help us.

However, with all of this great information I learned, there was one statement that stood out to me. Our presenter explained that “church growth is not about getting bigger, but about being faithful.” How many times have you heard the word church growth and immediately thought about more people? I always did. Growth means more, at least it did to me.

But the more I think about it, the more this idea of faithfulness being tied to growth makes perfect sense. For us, this means that we need to make sure everything we do as the body of Christ, reflects our mission statement as United Methodists: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This mission statement is not just something that some “higher-ups” came up with. You may recognize it from Matthew’s Gospel, where our risen Christ made it clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (28:19-20). When we have a meeting, when we begin a ministry, when go out into the community, we must ask ourselves, 'will this act help to make another person a disciple of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world'. Now each action we do will not make a disciple, but it needs to at least be a step on the path.

For me personally, this means that everything I do, needs to be reflective of my personal desire to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. If that is my personal mission statement, if that is your personal mission statement, if that is our church mission statement, and if we all adhere to that mission statement...hold on! When you get any group all moving in the same direction, at the same time, for the same goal, incredible things happen.

I encourage you to join me in shifting our paradigm, in looking for ways to be faithful in what we say and do, not just on Sundays, but every day, in every way. Growth is not only a numerical attribute, but an internal one as well.

Have a great week and I will see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Forgiveness: For Family - Genesis 50:15-21 and Romans 12:14-17

Introduction
Today we are going to conclude our preaching series focusing on forgiveness. This all important aspect of our lives that leads us to incredible freedom or never ending bondage. Throughout this series we have looked at forgiveness as it plays out in various situations and relationships always focusing on forgiveness through its two dimensions; our willingness to ask for it and how we receive it; and our willingness to extend forgiveness to others. Our first week, we came together and looked at the forgiveness we seek from God and the forgiveness that God offers us. The next week, we focused on the forgiveness that we must ask for and offer to everyone else, including our enemies. Last week, we looked at forgiveness as it plays out in our intimate relationships with each other. Today we are going to focus on the aspect of forgiveness that is necessary within our families.

The First Forgiveness
With that mind, a good place to begin today is with the story of Joseph, a story that spans 13 chapters in the book of Genesis. If you have read this story or seen the production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, you are familiar with this story. You know that this family has enough issues to keep a therapist busy, full time, for the rest of their lives. And I believe that this is the best place to begin when we talk about forgiveness within families, because this is the first place in Scripture where the word that we translate into forgiveness is used. This story can teach us something about how we can offer forgiveness and what God can do with the pain that we cause each other.

To understand the meaning of this story we first need to know the story. Joseph's great-grandfather was Abraham and his great-grandmother was Sarah. Abraham and Sarah begat Issac and Isaac and Rebekah begat the twins, Esau and Jacob. These people are the patriarchs of Israel, the founding figures of the faith of the Bible. Despite this fact, they were by no means perfect. They each had their own challenges in their families. Just as each of us have our own challenges today. Nobody, no family is perfect. Therefore, due to our imperfection, the only way families can stay together is for us to learn how to forgive one another.

This includes Joseph's family. Joseph's great-grandfather, Abraham, had two sons, Ishmael and Issac. When Ishmael was about 10 or 11 years old Sarah became jealous of Ishmael's role in Abraham's life, mostly because she felt it came at the expense of her son Issac, and she sent Ishmael away, never to come back. Then Issac and Rebekah had sons, Esau and Jacob. Now Issac had learned from his mother and father that when it comes to children, you always pick out a favorite. Issac made his favorite Esau, while Rebekah's heart leaned towards the second born of the twins, Jacob. Therefore, the parents were always competing with each other trying to secure the best for their favorite. What a family life! Now Jacob, as he got older, decided that he wanted to marry a girl named Rachel. Scripture tells us that Rachel was very beautiful, so Jacob goes to her father to pay the dowry for her. However, on the wedding day the girl behind the veil was not Rachel, but her older sister Leah. Jacob agrees to place himself in the service of Rachel's father to pay another dowry, so that he can eventually marry Rachel. Jacob does eventually marry Rachel so now he has two wives, one he loves and one he does not. Leah being the only one of the two to be able to have children, felt that if she gave Jacob a child he would fall in love with her as well. Rachel, not wanting to be looked down upon, gives her maidservant to Jacob so her and Jacob could have a child. Leah increasing the competition gives her maidservant to Jacob so they can have more children and now Jacob finds himself with four wives and thirteen children. Can you imagine? The chaos, the betrayal, the dysfunction. What a mess! As you can see these people may have been patriarchs, but they were by no stretch perfect.

But it continues, because Jacob continues the pattern of picking favorites, and out of his thirteen children he picks Joseph as his favorite. Can you see the how the sins of the father are passed down to their sons and their daughters, to the third and the fourth generation? This means that Joseph was the one to get special treatment and favor over his siblings, including his very expensive, very colorful, coat. Joseph began to buy into this favoritism and this brewed animosity between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph then began to have dreams about how his brothers would bow down to him, and still suffering from his over inflated ego, his announcement of these dreams did not go well. It went so bad that his brothers plotted to take care of Joseph. To kill him. One brother speaks up and says rather then kill him, let's just sell him into slavery, take his coat make it look like animals got a hold of it, and say that Joseph was killed and eaten by those wild animals. This will get Joseph out of their hair and make them some nice money in the process.

Joseph was sold into slavery, taken to Egypt, and eventually imprisoned all because his relationship with his brothers was so strained. There is decades of time that passes in this story. Decades where pain and hurt and feelings of betrayal can swell and grow, unchecked. This is a perfect place for the first use of the word forgiveness to appear in Scripture.

Let It Go!
During this series, we have looked at forgiveness as our relinquishing any right we may have against another for retaliation; letting go of those wrongs against us. The other lens in which we have defined forgiveness is the verbal communication of forgiveness to the other person.

The first understanding we have talked about is essential. We have to able to let go of some things and give them over to God. Or it is like us drinking poison hoping the other person gets sick. When in reality we are the ones getting sick and living in turmoil. We are the ones giving them power over us. However, if we can let go, if we can love them, not necessarily a warm and fuzzy type of love, but as an intentional action doing as God commanded us, then we can be set free.

The other part is to verbally communicate a pardon for them. When we can do that, then we are extending grace and mercy to them and allowing a form of healing to begin. However, sometimes when we do this, it simply enables them to continue hurting us. Therefore, this verbal pardon is not always necessary. But we do have to pray for them and forgive them for us, for our well being.

Over the last several weeks, we have talked about those wrongs committed against us like rocks in our backpacks of forgiveness. For the small things we talked about the acronym RAP. The “R” helps us to remember that we also do things that irritate people. Remember, when you are feeling angry and betrayed, I encouraged you write down five things you do that constantly irritate others, level the playing field a bit, and that might help you let go of some of the anger you might feel towards others. The “A” reminds us to assume the best of others, to attempt to understand why they do what they do. And the “P” reminds us to pray for God's blessings to come to other people. When we follow this process, we sometimes find it easier to let go of the small stones in our backpack.

Now for the medium stones, repentance is helpful but does not always come. With these medium sized stones those walls between us can grow much more easily. The separation is much more likely. One way to tear down these stones is for the other person to recognize their wrong and ask for forgiveness. That is why communication is always important and the ability to speak with other is paramount. But if that repentance does not come, we still have to find a way to forgive. Otherwise the burden will become to great. God still calls us to forgive, for our sake, and for our relationship with God. This way is not easy, it is not instantaneous. But it can happen, and prayer is a wonderful place to start.

But what about those big stones? Those things, those acts that alter our lives, change our outlook, and really affect us down to our cores? I want to offer you several ways I have found to help you deal with the large stones, especially within your family.

One way is through therapy. Work with a licensed counselor to help you sift through your emotions and better understand what it truly bothering you. Sometimes when you have a person help you gain a clearer picture of what you are dealing with, the ability to work through it becomes easier. If a therapist is not going to work, you can also work with your small group. The group approach to chipping away at your hurt can also be very beneficial.

Another method you can use is through confrontation and/or writing letters. If you write down everything that you feel, how their action made you feel, and how this rift is affecting you, sometimes that can bring incredible release and begin the healing process.

A third method is prayer. When you pray to God for help in dealing with something, try giving that situation over to God and have faith that God can bring good from it, and that you can help bring healing to others because of it.

Joseph as Example
That is what Joseph did. Joseph was dealing with some pretty big rocks. Joseph was sold into slavery, by his brothers. He is then falsely imprisoned. I cannot imagine Joseph, in the midst of all of this saying, 'Thank God for my brothers!'. Some of you have dealt with betrayal, with hurt, with feelings that leave you feeling much the same way Joseph did. But Joseph used this time to grow to change. He developed a more loving character. He began to considers others above himself. His dependance on God deepened and his integrity rose. Despite being betrayed by his brothers, despite being sold into slavery, despite being falsely imprisoned, Joseph found a way to pray to God and express to God, I cannot change the past but please reshape the future. We do not know those were his exact words, but I have to think they were pretty close.

Then, because of this change in attitude, he was not only released from prison, but he became Pharaoh’s right hand man. He also correctly interpreted Pharaoh's dream that not only saved that nation from famine, but the nations surrounding them, including the nation where his own siblings lived. Through Joseph's ability to forgive and trust God, God was able to use Joseph to bring about good though a horrible situation. Joseph had been sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphor's wife and sent to prison. But Joseph was able to look at this, see God at work through this, find forgiveness for what had happened for his siblings, and allow God to work good through it. Bit by bit, piece by piece, Joseph found a way to forgive and trust in God. He lived what the Apostle Paul describes to us in our second Scripture lesson today, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all” (Romans 12:14-17, NRSV). When we do this, then we open ourselves up to God, who can make all things work together for good for those that love him and are called to his purpose.

Forgiveness is giving up the hope for a different past and taking on the hope of a different future. We cannot change the past, but we can trust God to make something good, and to bring something redemptive out of it.

Conclusion
Joseph eventually crosses paths with his brothers, and just as predicted in his dream long ago, they are bowing before him. Once Joseph reveals himself to them, they become certain he will kill them. But Joseph replies, “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them” (Gen 50:20-21, NRSV).

Joseph was not about revenge, but about reconciliation. He was not about retribution, but about forgiveness. You have the opportunity today to follow suit. Joseph lived a very trying and unfair life, and through God, through prayer, and through forgiveness, was able to love again. You can do the same today. Let Jesus make something good out of the stones you carry today. Jesus was a stonemason by trade, a carpenter that brought good out of the stones he shaped. Let him shape your stones today and make something good come out of them.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Bible Challenge 09/25 - 10/01

Greetings All!

We continue our journey through the fourth major prophetic book this week: Ezekiel.

There are basically three segments to this book: (1) judgment on Israel (chapters 1-24); (2) judgment on the nations (chapters 25-32); and future blessings for Israel (chapters 33-48). These larger themes are carried out as the prophet Ezekiel reveals a series of seven visions he received over 22 years.

Here is the schedule:

25, Sunday: Ezekiel 8-11

26, Monday: Ezekiel 12-15

27, Tuesday: Ezekiel 16-19

28, Wednesday: Ezekiel 20-23

29, Thursday: Ezekiel 24-27

30, Friday: Ezekiel 28-31

01, Saturday: Ezekiel 32-35

May God bless the reading, the hearing and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Friday Fives



1. Preaching Series – This week we will conclude our preaching series focusing on the idea of forgiveness. Three weeks ago, we sought to gain a better understanding of forgiveness; specifically, how we ask forgiveness of God and how God grants forgiveness to us. Two weeks ago, in light of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country, we focused on forgiveness as it pertains to our relationship with others; friends, neighbors, co-workers and even our enemies.  Last week, we looked at how forgiveness and how it pertains to our relationships.  This week we will shift our focus to the idea of forgiveness and how it plays out within our families; specifically what can happen when we trust God to bring about good from the hurt.  Bring a friend and I hope to see you there!



2. Upcoming Bible Study - Starting Thursday, October 6th we will begin a new Bible study entitled, “Yes Lord I Have Sinned But I Have Several Excellent Excuses” by the Rev. James Moore. Sin is something that affects all of us and this study will help us learn how to take ownership of our sin, be more readily able to recognize temptations in our lives that will lead to sin, as well as help us understand the hope and grace that is ours through Jesus Christ. The class will last for seven weeks and will be offered at two different times: 10:00am and 7:00pm. The cost is free.  If you would like the book, which is not required, it is $12.  To register for this class, you can register on the website by clicking here - Bible Study Registration, fill out the insert in this week's bulletin, or contact the church office.



3. Flu Shots – Sunday, October 2, is our Druid Hills UMC flu shot clinic immediately following worship from 11:30 am to 1 pm in the Church Library. If you would like to participate, there is a sign-up sheet at the Connection Station. Please be sure to bring your insurance cards with you.  The cash price is $25, and sorry, no HMOs. We need 50 people to sign up for us to be able to offer this clinic next year, so take advantage of the convenience.  If you have any questions, please see Joyce Baugher.




4. Craft Show – From Joyce Baugher and our Craft Fair Committee: Our first craft show is just around the corner and the excitement is building. We have a good variety of vendors and they are excited also.  Fellowship Hall will be full of shoppers (we hope) and what a great way to introduce folks to our church. All proceeds will go toward new floor covering in Fellowship Hall. We will need help in this undertaking as time gets closer. If you have any questions, please see Joyce Baugher.



5. Pumpkin Patch – Our first shipment of pumpkins arrive October 12th and then our pumpkin patch will be in full swing.  If you would like to help there are many ways; unloading pumpkins, reading stories to the children's groups; working a shift selling the pumpkins; and several other ways.  We need everyone's help to make this a wonderful experience for all.  Please see Roy Baugher or call the church office to sign up to help.





Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Midweek Moment

In worship over the last several weeks, we have been talking about the path God has laid out for us and how when we sin, we miss the mark and stray from the path. We have talked about forgiveness and how when we offer, extend, and accept forgiveness, this is one way we get back on the path and hit the mark.

Another way we can hit that mark is through prayer. I know we pray before meals and when we are stressed. But outside of those times, how much do we pray? I encourage you to take a serious look at your prayer life. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, prayed for an hour every morning. From 5-6 AM he would go into his prayer closet, get on his knees, and pray. Prayer was a very foundational aspect of his life. Prayer allows us to do several things. It allows us to see the path God laid out before us more clearly. It helps us get back on the path God laid out for us more quickly. It allows our constant transformation into effective disciples of Jesus Christ to happen more smoothly.

With all of this mind, I want to offer you a tool I discovered about a year ago. Following this post are five prayers, designed to be offered at different times throughout the day; early morning, mid-morning, mid-day, early evening, and evening. I encourage you to try and make this a daily part of your life. It can be as simple as just reading and praying these prayers, listening for God for a bit, and then going back to your day. Or it can be the beginning of something more.  Use this as a tool, as a stepping off point, to begin a life where prayer is foundational and frequent. This is my gift to you and I pray it blesses you, transforms you, and helps you feel closer to the one that loved you first!

Early Morning Prayer of Thanksgiving

Eternal God, hallowed be your name.
Early in the morning, before I begin my work,
I praise your glory.
Renew my body as fresh as the morning flowers.
Open my inner eyes, as the sun casts new light
upon the darkness.
Deliver me from all captivity.
Like the birds of the sky,
give me wings of freedom to begin a new journey.
As a mighty stream running continuously,
restore justice and freedom day by day.
I thank you for the gift of this morning,
and a new day to work with you.
Stir up in me the desire to serve you,
to live peacefully with my neighbors,
and to devote each day to your Son,
my Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

Mid-Morning Prayer of Thanksgiving


God of Mercy, this midday moment of rest
is your welcome gift.
Bless the work I have begun, make good its defects,
and let me finish it in a way that pleases you.
Grant this through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Mid-Day Prayer of Thanksgiving


In the brightness of your Son I spend each day;
Always you protect me with the umbrella of your love.
Grant me the strength to finish this day strong, and bring you the glory.
To you, God, be all praise and glory forever & ever. Amen.

Early Evening Prayer of Thanksgiving

I praise and thank you, O God,
for you are without beginning and without end.
Through Christ, you created the whole world;
through Christ, you preserve it.
You made the day for the works of light
and the night for the refreshment
of my mind and body.
Keep me now in Christ; grant me a peaceful evening,
a night free from sin;
and bring me at last to eternal life.
Through Christ and in the Holy Spirit,
I offer you all glory, honor, and worship,
now and for ever. Amen.

Evening Prayer of Thanksgiving

As you have made this day, O God,
you also make the night.
Give light for my comfort.
Come upon me with quietness and still my soul.
that I may listen for the whisper of your Spirit
and be attentive to your nearness in my dreams.
Empower me to rise again in new life to proclaim your
praise, and show Christ to the world. Amen.

Have a great week and I will see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Forgiveness: In Relationships - Colossians 3:12-15 and Romans 13:8-10

Introduction
Today we are going to continue our preaching series focusing on forgiveness. This all important aspect of our lives that leads us to incredible freedom or never ending bondage. Throughout this series we have looked at forgiveness as it plays out in various situations and relationships always focusing on forgiveness through its two dimensions; our willingness to ask for it and how we receive it; and our willingness to extend forgiveness to others. Two wees ago, we came together and looked at the forgiveness we seek from God and the forgiveness that God offers us. Last week, we focused on the forgiveness that we must ask for and offer to everyone else, including our enemies. Today, we are going to look at forgiveness as it plays out in our intimate relationships. If you are married it would be your marriage, if you are romantically involved with someone that would be that relationship. We focus on this because those relationships cannot stand without forgiveness.

Pure as Snow
It seems most people, as they start out on a new relationship, are given advice by at least one person. I am sure many of you remember the advice given to you. It was advice meant to help us navigate the journey ahead. Here are a few adages about relationships that I have come across.

  • Trouble in a marriage often begins when a man is so busy earning his salt he forgets his sugar.
  • When a man marries a woman they become one. The trouble starts when they try to figure out which one.
  • If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred, then she will never turn into an old nag.

When Debbie and I got married, one of ladies of our church, came up to us at the reception and wanted to bestow some her advice upon us. Now Miss Ruby, was in her late 90's and was as sweet as they come. At this point, my new bride and I had known Miss Ruby for about 20 years. She walked up to us, took our hands and placed them between hers. She looked at both of us and said, “if you want your marriage to be strong, never go to bed angry.” Before Miss Ruby's husband had died they had been married for over 50 years. She knew what she was talking about. She knew that love was not going to be the only thing we needed to make this new phase of our relationship last.

Marriage Is Not Always Fun
Marriage is hard. The act of sustaining any intimate relationship over a long period of time is hard. There are things that Debbie does that absolutely make no sense to me. I do not understand them, I do not know why she does them, and if she must do them, I think there are a million better ways to do them. But for every million odd things she does that make no sense to me, there are probably 5 million odd things that I do that make no sense to her.

That is the reality of marriage. These are two human beings who are raised in different homes, they see the world in different ways. Their life experiences are different. Then if that wasn't enough to overcome, you ask them to try and live in close quarters together for the rest of their lives. No wonder it is hard work. Marriage is not sustained solely by romantic feelings. For most of you, I am not telling you anything that you did not already know. Many of you know that it takes will power and determination to make a relationship work, and it also takes forgiveness.

Forgiveness is Key
Forgiveness is important because we as human beings struggle with sin. In this series, we have learned that there are a number of Hebrew and Greek words used in Scripture that we translate into the English word sin. But the one most commonly used in the Old Testament means, to stray from the path, and in the New Testament the word means, to miss the mark. In both cases the implication is that there is a way we are to live as human beings, a path laid out for us by God. For our purposes today, that path is the way we are to live within our intimate relationships.

Now, if you choose to be involved in a marriage or an intimate relationship, that you want to work, it will help you to learn two things. One, learn what God's intended path in marriage looks like. Two, understand that we will all stray from that path and therefore we need to learn forgiveness.

I do not know of a better place to turn in order to learn what God's path is supposed to look like, than the Bible. Scripture has so much wisdom for us concerning what God's plan for us looks like in a relationship. Our first Scripture lesson this morning is one that is often read at weddings because of this wisdom it contains. I invite you to pull out your insert that has today's Scripture lessons on it and I want you to circle five words found in Colossians 3:12-15. This words were written to the Christians in the little town of Colossae and they were meant to show them how to live in Christian community with one another. And I believe if they can apply to a group of people, we can apply them to our intimate relationships with each other.

Listen again to what Paul writes, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves...” Meaning this is what other people should see first in us before anything else. He continues, now circle these five words, “with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” Now in this passage that is the mark. That is what the path is supposed to look like. These qualities are what people should see in your first, before anything else. If these qualities are what your partner sees in you most of the time, it would be very hard to mess up a marriage. So let's take a moment to remind ourselves what these words mean.

Compassion: This word comes from the Latin word, pati cum, which means to suffer with. To put yourselves in the shoes of another person and to see the world as they see it, to feel the world as they feel it. To empathize with them.

Kindness: Thoughtful acts that bless or encourage another human being with no expectation for something in return.

Humility: This is a respect for another person and to see them as a valuable human being. It also means putting their own needs before our own.

Meekness: This is a gentleness, a softness. Think of Proverbs 15:1, “a gentle answer turns away wrath.” When we treat others with meekness then things generally go more smoothly.

Patience: This is long suffering, endurance, waiting, until change happens.

This is what the path looks like. The challenge is that we do not always exhibit these characteristics in our relationships with others. The truth of the matter is that we all struggle with these from time to time. We all struggle to show proper amounts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience to those that we love. Sometimes, we show none at all. So when we veer from this path, we often bring hurt to the other person. When that happens, when we have hurt another, we need to seek reconciliation. We need to seek forgiveness and the other person needs to offer forgiveness. If we are unwilling to forgive, then we will find ourselves very lonely.

Paul continues and gives another piece of advice in verse 13. He tells the people of Colossae to bear with each other. To put up with one another. Why does Paul have to say this? Why do we need to hear this all these years later? Because none of us are perfect. He also says that not only are we to put up with one another, but we are also to “forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

But...
Now here is where the rubber meets the road. It is one thing for us to intellectually know all of this about forgiveness. What it means, what it entails, why it is necessary. It is entirely another thing to practice it.

Scoreboards: The Downside
So how can we practice forgiveness? One way is not to keep score. Last week I brought in a backpack. Our backpack of forgiveness if you will. We talked about the small things, or rocks, in life and how we need to let them go and not to sweat the small stuff. If any of you read my midweek moment this week on my blog, your are free to tune out for a moment. As forgetful as we can be as humans, we have an incredible ability to remember each others faults. To kind of keep score if you will, by counting the rocks. We can hold on to things that someone committed against us with great ease and then pull it out later to remind them. But do you remember what 1 Corinthians says? “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV). Folks, we need to tear down our scoreboards. We need to put those things behind us. The small things should not be insurmountable.

But what about the issues that are a bit bigger we cannot just let go. Those things that when we do not deal with them, it kills the intimacy in our relationships, the closeness we once enjoyed begins to disappear. You have two options, you can seek justice or offer mercy. If we live in a relationship where mercy is never offered or felt then the other begins to seek justice. You did this to me, I will do this to you. We are no longer partners, but adversaries.

The answer to getting though this is forgiveness. But how do we seek forgiveness? Through repentance. I encourage you to write these three words down.

Awareness – we need to be aware that something that we have done has caused pain for our partner. We need to recognize our role in the situation.

Remorse – those feelings of regret and remorse for what we have done. Now sometimes remorse is not the first feeling we get when we are faced with a misdeed. Sometimes it is defensiveness. But if we were to stop, remember that we chose this person because we loved them, that just the sight of them used to put butterflies in our bellies, that our heart used to beat faster just at the thought of them, and that our only true desire in life is to bless this person and love them, then we can begin to feel what they felt when we wronged them. Then the remorse will come. It takes time, sometimes hours, sometimes days.

But these both will lead to confession. It is always accompanied by a request for forgiveness. You express to the other person that you finally have an idea of how you hurt them. Now please do not fall into the trap that I have seen so many times before. You say, 'I am so sorry for doing this to you, but you know what you did to me caused....' No! That is not a confession. That is an opening to create more hurt. Confession is also not, sorry (said with attitude and no feeling). Confession is pouring out your feelings of love to another and asking for forgiveness.

Now here is a fourth word for you to write down, and this word is the culmination of these first three steps of repentance: change. It is not enough for a relationship, it is not good enough for the people you love, to stop after three steps. It is not enough to say, I am just that way, and expect that to suffice. You must commit to change. To say to the other person not only are you sorry for your actions, but that you will strive to change your ways so that you do not hurt them in that way again.

Now please understand this does not mean that change is instantaneous. It takes time. So as a loving partner that has been hurt, as a person that also cares deeply for the other, do not expect an instant change. Remember that Jesus said we are to forgive “not seven times, but seventy-seven times”. You both have a path to follow here.

Conclusion
There are many things in this life that can tear apart our relationships. So we need to be able and willing to practice, offer, and accept forgiveness, Forgiveness is not always a feeling. Sometimes it is sheer will power. Sometimes, it begins as an intellectual endeavor rather than an emotional one. But it is always necessary.

Today you have an opportunity. If you are struggling with offering forgiveness to another person I encourage you to come to this altar rail and bow before your Father in heaven and ask for help. Come to this rail and ask God to help you lay down your anger, lay down your fear, lay down your betrayal. Then leave it here. Give it over to God and ask God to renew within you the resolve to forgive, to tear down your scoreboard, and to strengthen the love you have for your partner. Ask God to help you to love your spouse and your partner the way they need you to love them. If you are struggling with asking for forgiveness or you have asked and you are waiting for it to granted, then come to this altar rail and ask God to give you the strength to humble yourself before your loved one. To give you the strength to change so this issue is no longer a problem in your relationship. God is waiting right here, willing to help you in whatever way you need.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Bible Challenge 09/18 - 09/24

Greetings All!

This week we finish up our journey through the second major prophetic book this week. And then move on to read all five chapters of the third book (Lamentations) and dive into the fourth book (Ezekiel).

The book of Lamentations is a poetic book that is attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. It mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in the 6th century BC. In Judaism, this book is traditionally recited on the fast day of "Tisha B'Av" the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, mourning the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. It is said that Jeremiah retired to a cavern outside the Damascus gate, where he wrote this book. Today, that cavern is still pointed out by tour guides.

The next book is Ezekiel, written by the prophet of the same name. The name "Ezekiel" means "God will strengthen." His story is interesting. He describes his calling by God to be a prophet by going into a lot of detail about God riding a chariot of four wheels guided by cherubs. For the next several years, he preached alongside Jeremiah about the coming destruction of Jerusalem which he lived to witness. He was in his mid-twenties when he was exiled along with approximately 3,000 upper class Jews to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. There he and his wife lived in their own home as other exiles came to see his prophetic insights. Later he began to have visions of a new Temple. All total, his career as a prophet lasted for around 25 years.

Here is the schedule:
18, Sunday - Jeremiah 37-40

19, Monday - Jeremiah 41-44

20, Tuesday - Jeremiah 45-48

21, Wednesday - Jeremiah 49-52

22, Thursday - Lamentations 1-4

23, Friday - Lamentations 5 - Ezekiel 3

24, Saturday - Ezekiel 4-7

May God bless the reading, the hearing and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series – This week we will continue our preaching series focusing on the idea of forgiveness. Two weeks ago, we sought to gain a better understanding of forgiveness; specifically, how we ask forgiveness of God and how God grants forgiveness to us. Last week, in light of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country, we focused on forgiveness as it pertains to our relationship with others; friends, neighbors, co-workers and even our enemies.  This week we will take a look at how forgiveness and how it pertains to our relationships.  Bring a friend and I hope to see you there!



2. Stephen Ministers – Many of us in this congregation have been given the gifts of compassion and visitation. If you would like to learn more about how to use these gifts within the church, then please accept this invitation. On Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30pm, Belleview United Methodist Church will be holding a free informational meeting for those interested in training to become Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is designed to help complement and expand pastoral care within the church. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in how to listen and care for other people and are generally assigned to walk alongside someone in their congregation going through a crisis in their lives such as illness, divorce, or death. If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please contact Pastor Daryl.



3. October Newsletter Deadline – If you have an article or information that you would like included in the October edition of the Sunshine Herald, please have it submitted to the office, no later than this Sunday, September 18th.




4. Upcoming Bible Study - Starting Thursday, October 6th we will begin a new Bible study entitled, “Yes Lord I Have Sinned But I Have Several Excellent Excuses” by the Rev. James Moore. Sin is something that affects all of us and this study will help us learn how to take ownership of our sin, be more readily able to recognize temptations in our lives that will lead to sin, as well as help us understand the hope and grace that is ours through Jesus Christ. The class will last for seven weeks and will be offered at two different times: 10:00am and 7:00pm. The cost is free.  If you would like the book, which is not required, it is $12.  To register for this class, you can register on the website by clicking here - Bible Study Registration, fill out the insert in this week's bulletin, or contact the church office.





5. Ocala  Health and Rehab – This Sunday is our week to go and minister to the residents of Ocala Health and Rehab.  I want to extend an invitation to all of you to come and join us, Sunday at 2pm.  Ocala Health and Rehab is located just down the street from the church on the corner of Lake Weir Road and SE 24th Road.  We begin with a few hymns, I give a brief devotion, and we wrap it up with a few more hymns and a prayer.  It is a wonderful time of fellowship and spreading the love of Christ.  I am sure you will enjoy it and be glad you participated!  I hope to see you there!






Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

World Vision Opportunity

Just wanted to share this with you. This is more information on the announcement I made during worship last week.  I hope you each have a chance to attend!




World Vision Experience
Step into Africa takes you on an unforgettable journey into Africa and into the lives of four children affected by AIDS. You will be able to experience the real story of a real child in Africa. HIV/AIDS is the world's largest health challenge. It affects entire communities, wiping out an entire generation of the working class; teachers, health care workers, civil servants and business leaders, thus leaving a generation of children to care for and look after themselves.

This pandemic perpetuates the already vicious cycle of poverty. The 65 million people who have either died or will die due to AIDS since the beginning of the pandemic is greater than the number of people killed by the bubonic plaque. That number will only increase unless we respond.

Please come be a part of the experience and see how your congregation or small groups can be involved. The exhibit is self-guided and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Please contact Susan Horne at 352.416.3037 for more information or visit trinitygnv.info/step-into-africa.

Midweek Moment

Many of you know that I love sports. I love sports for several reasons. One, is that I admire the dedication it takes to become an athlete and the discipline required to train properly and eat right. Another reason I love sports is the exhilaration you feel when you achieve a faster time, a higher score, or reach a plateau that you have never obtained before. One more reason I love sports is for the competition; when it is good natured and accompanied with good sportsmanship. For me, there truly is an allure for the thrill of the victory and the agony of defeat. Can you pull out the victory in the final second? Can you be the clutch player and deliver a victory from the jaws of defeat?

All of this is determined by a score, a time, or some other measurable number. These numbers can be very beneficial. Case in point, Parker learned how to add and subtract, before kindergarten, watching Tampa Bay Rays baseball games with me. He would look at the score, and hopefully have to subtract the opponents score from the Rays score, to calculate the number of runs we were ahead. Sometimes though, he would have to add how many runs we needed to catch up and then add a “1” to see what we needed for us to secure the win.

However, keeping score can sometimes be extremely detrimental. Especially in relationships. For the past several weeks we have been talking about forgiveness in worship. We have looked at forgiveness as it relates to our relationship with God and how forgiveness relates to our relationships with others. I have mentioned that forgiveness is not about revenge but about redemption, and how if we cannot, or will not, forgive others, that will lead to us being separated not only from God, but from everyone else. We have also talked about God's ability to forget our sins, when we repent, seek to change, and are sincere in our remorse.

But how willing are we to do the same? One of the most damaging aspects to any relationship is when we keep score. Especially when we tell another that we forgive them. If we remember and recount all the faults of those we are in relationship with, then that relationship will have a hard time surviving. If the people you interact with make a mistake, and they will, and every time they do, we chastise them for not only making that mistake, but bring up every other mistake they have made in the past, then have we ever truly forgiven them? Think about that. How do you feel when some one utters the phrase, “Did you not learn from the last time?” or “Will you ever learn?” or the infamous, “Here we go again!”

Debbie and I attend a marriage seminar once a year. We do this for two reasons. One reason is that it is a great way for us to spend time together. The other reason is to be proactive in our relationship. We want to discover ways for us to grow together, support each other, and better understand one another. I will never forget a piece of advice given to us at one of the seminars we attended. The presenter said, “If you continually keep score in your marriage, the game will soon be over.” He was trying to convey that if a spouse always reminds the other of every fault they have ever committed, then the love will not grow, but fade.

The same things applies for us in our relationships with others; spouses, friends, co-workers, and church family, to name a few. If we tell someone that we forgive them, then the next time a mistake is made, we keep score and bring up past mistakes, where is the forgiveness?

So I encourage you to tear down your scoreboard. Love as God loves, treat others as God treats us. Remember, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:8-12, NIV).

Keeping score in relationships, whether is it how many times you forgive another, or how many times another has not forgiven you, will only bring about damage and pain. But, if you find yourself keeping score, try counting all of the positive things people have done for you, and then try to beat that. Besides, being nice to another is so much more fun than being mad at them!

Have a great week and I will see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Forgiveness: For Others – Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-6

Introduction
Today we are going to continue our preaching series focusing on forgiveness. This all important aspect of our lives that lead us to incredible freedom or never ending bondage. Throughout this series we will look at forgiveness as it plays out in various situations and relationships always focusing on forgiveness through its two dimensions; our willingness to ask for it and how we receive it; and our willingness to extend forgiveness to others. Last week we came together and looked at the forgiveness we seek from God and the forgiveness that God offers us. Today we are going to talk about the forgiveness that we must ask for and offer to everyone else.

As we begin today I would like us to acknowledge up front that the withholding of forgiveness has negative consequences on almost every aspect of our life. So if you are unwilling to extend forgiveness, if you don't know to do this or you do not do it well, then if affects your spiritual relationship with God. Jesus tells us that we are to ask God to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” He is saying that our inability to forgive will inhibit our relationship with God. We know that it inhibits our relationships with other people, not only the people that we are at odds with, but everyone else as well.

It inhibits us through the created tension. If affects our physical well being through the resulting anger, hurt, and bitterness. It increases stress levels by increasing the chemicals released into the body by our brain. This results in higher blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and muscular tension, to name a few. It can also manifest within us by causing depression, anxiety, and physical consequences. All of this from an inability to forgive. It is so detrimental that it has been compared to drinking a bottle of poison and hoping it hurts the other person.

Last Week We Learned...
Last week we learned that there are a number of Hebrew and Greek words used in Scripture that we translate into the English word sin. But the one most commonly used in the Old Testament means, to stray from the path, and in the New Testament the word means, to miss the mark. In both cases the implication is that there is a way we are to live as human beings.

A path that helps us understand how we are to treat others. We are to seek justice for one another, love each other, do unto others as we would do unto ourselves, and love our neighbor. Now we are human and we will stray. We talked about watching our criks and not letting turn into gulfs where we cannot even see the other side. When that happens, then we find ourselves separated from God and walls being built between us and others.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
So how do we deal with others so those walls are not built and destroy our relationships? Let us begin by talking about the small stuff. Now in dealing with others and the small acts that we commit, I want you to imagine that when someone else strays from the path it usually is a minor deviation and they usually come back. But the problem often comes with our reaction. We often overreact and while their stray was small, we have strayed much farther and we create this huge division between us and the other person.

Often because our pride feels wounded, we do not understand why they did what they did, but whatever the reason, we find that we are the ones that have created this huge division because we have taken things too personally. We have created the gulf and we have sinned, we have strayed from the path, because part of the path is to show mercy when it comes to the small stuff.

I think this is the kind of stuff Peter was talking about when he asked Jesus a question in Matthew chapter 18. “Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Now remember, back then how big was the church? It was Jesus and twelve apostles, so Peter was talking about another apostle. “Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'” Some translations say seven times seventy. Jesus is not saying forgive 77 times and you are released. Jesus is saying you forgive as many times as it takes. Our lives are not to be characterized by rigid numbers and rules, but rather by grace. After all, how many sins, especially these small ones, have we committed against God everyday? Either by thought, word, or deed? Through things we have done or worse yet, though things we have left undone? If God wanted to hold all of those things against us, we any of us be able to stand?

Think about it in the form of rocks. Imagine that we all have a backpack, a backpack of forgiveness if you will. We each carry these backpacks and this is where we store those things we do to others and that others do to us. When we wrong another person through these small acts, snide comment, gossip, thoughtlessness, a rock is put in our backpack. Also, we when are wronged by another person, and do not forgive, a small rock is put in our backpack. The call we have as people of faith is to let go of these small things. To not sweat the small stuff.

But the reality is we hang on to these rocks. Let us say that in a given day, five instances happen to us, we are wronged five times in one day. What is that times 30 days? Times 364 days? If we hold on to these rocks how much gravel are we carrying around in our soul over a lifetime? Somewhere we have got to find the capacity to let go. To say to ourselves, that it is not just that big of a deal.

But how? How do we do that? How do we live by that kind of grace? Rev. Adam Hamilton offers us an acronym to help us in this endeavor. The acronym is RAP. The “R” stands for remember. When you feel wronged by another person I encourage you to stop and remember how many times you may have done the exact same thing to another person. Rev. Hamilton even suggests that you write down five things that you do that consistently annoy other people. You see it is hard to stay mad at other people when we remind ourselves of our own shortcomings. The “A” stands for assume. We are to assume the best of other people. We think about what hardships they might be enduring and that this act against us is probably out of character for them. And the “P” stands for pray. Jesus tells us to pray for others. We ask God to bless them, to encourage them, and to help us let go of whatever animosity we have against this person. Then an amazing thing happens, we begin to let it go, we begin to find that grace we are seeking. Now I am not going to stand here and tell you that this is easy or that you can make this adjustment in your life overnight. We have to work at it, be transformed by it, trust God through it. But Jesus called us to seek it out, to find, to own, and extend the grace of God to others. You see forgiveness is not about showing others the folly of their way it is about redemption. It is about extending the grace of God, the redemption of God to others so that we may all be together, working together for God.

But What About the Bigger Stuff?
But what about the bigger stuff? Things like adultery or betrayal. Those things that dramatically alter our lives and our relationships. What then?

Our first Scripture lesson from this morning gives us some help. Jesus tells us that, “If your brother or sister (best translated as fellow disciple, fellow believer) sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. You notice how this says just between the two of you. It does not say do it in your Sunday School class, or at Sunday lunch, or with a group. But just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. You see how this is about redemption. At this point they will react one of two ways. There will either say I am so sorry, I had no idea, please forgive me. Or they will say, you know what, I don't care how you feel. I was right, you were wrong. Deal with it.

If that happens, Jesus then tells us, “But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” This way there are more people, that you both trust, that listen and give objective advice. Maybe you are the one in the wrong and this process can help both sides see it more clearly.

But if this person is in the wrong and still doesn't care about what they have done to you, Jesus continues, “If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” The idea was if you had a member of your church actively hurting other people, back in the day they were excommunicated. They were put out so as not to destroy the church. But I want you to notice how Jesus said we are to treat them, as a pagan or a tax collector. Who did Jesus spend most of his time with? Pagans and tax collectors. We are not called to kick them out and forget them. We are called to treat them as people that need redemption. We still love them, we just love them differently. We do not place ourselves in positions to continue to be hurt by them.

But If I Do...
Now I hear your reservations. Because they are my reservations too. Some of you might be asking yourselves, if I forgive this act, am I not condoning it? No. When you forgive you are letting go of any right you have for repayment or retribution. You are not condoning that what they did as permissible. You are laying aside those stones that will build up in your life and you will not hold it against them in the future.

Others of you might ask, if I forgive this act, am I dismissing the consequences of what they did? Again, no. The consequence is important for redemption. To learn from the consequence is to better understand the proper way to go, to remain on the path. Now sometimes we can forgo the consequence. If we see someone has already paid a certain price and for us to allow them or force them to endure more consequences might border more on revenge rather than on redemption then we can forgo the consequence and extend to them our love.

And some others of you might ask, should I forgive this act, where no forgiveness has been asked for? Sometimes people do not ask for forgiveness because they are not aware that they have done anything wrong. Sometimes, people have not done anything wrong, we are just hurt by the actions. If there was a decision that had to be made, it was the right decision to be made, and we are not wronged, but we are still hurt by it, then forgiveness is not in order, rather understanding and acceptance. However, there are those instances where someone does hurt us, knows they hurt us, and for whatever reason do not ask for forgiveness.

Here we are still called to extend mercy, because repayment is not the goal, the goal is redemption. Listen to what Paul says in Romans 12:17-21, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

A Remembrance
Today is the the tenth anniversary of September 11th, 2001. That day where America was attacked by people seeking to bring us harm, seeking to cause fear and panic in our lives. All of us were affected by those actions in some way. Some of us had loved ones caught and killed in the buildings that were damaged and destroyed. Some of us had family members or knew people, that were killed trying to offer aid and assistance to others. All of us were horrified, as we watched this unfold on TV. Right after this happened, we as Americans responded. Military enlistments went up, the number of flags flying outside home and on automobiles increased, church attendance rose dramatically. But so did the hate. So did the feelings of revenge against those that did this to us.

Today, I want us to remember those who lost their lives, whose lives were forever altered, and those who have been lost to hate in all forms. I want us to forgive those involved through prayer. I want us to give all of those feelings that are keeping us in bondage, over to God, because we do not want them anymore. Because we do not want these acts to have any power over us any longer.

Conclusion
We have all been hurt and wronged. We have all felt that gulf between us and other people and the abandonment and separation that goes along with it. Sometimes those acts are small stones, and we need to turn to God and ask for the courage to let them go. Sometimes those acts are larger stones that if left alone, can be debilitating.

In all of this our goal is to find redemption. Now redemption will not come at once, but if we pray, then bit by bit, degree by degree, if you keep chipping away at those rocks in your life, with God's help you will find yourself free.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Bible Challenge 09/11 - 09/17

Greetings All!

We continue on through the second major prophetic book in the Old Testament this week, Jeremiah.

There are six main sections to this book. By the end of this week we'll have worked our way through three of them and be partway into the fourth. The earliest and main core of Jeremiah's message is found in chapters 1-25. Chapters 26-29 contain more biographic material and note Jeremiah's interaction with other prophets. Chapters 30-33 talk about God's promise of restoration. And in chapters 34-36 we'll begin seeing Jeremiah's interactions with Zedekiah and the start of the fall of Jerusalem.

One interesting thing I found as I was doing research this week had to do with the historical accuracy of the text. Parts of the book of Jeremiah were actually found in Cave 4 at Qumran, part of what we call the Dead Sea Scrolls. Comparison of our present-day book of Jeremiah to these earliest known versions show no significant changes. Debbie and I were privileged to be able to visit Qumran when we were in Israel in 2009.  The picture to the left, is one that we took ourselves.  It is cave 4, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Here is the schedule:

11, Sunday - Jeremiah 9-12

12, Monday - Jeremiah 13-16

13, Tuesday - Jeremiah 17-20

14, Wednesday - Jeremiah 21-24

15, Thursday - Jeremiah 25-28

16, Friday - Jeremiah 29-32

17, Saturday - Jeremiah 33-36


May God bless the reading, the hearing and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series – This week we will continue our preaching series focusing on the idea of forgiveness. Last week we sought to gain a better understanding of forgiveness; specifically, how we ask forgiveness of God and how God grants forgiveness to us. This week, in light of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country, we will focus on forgiveness as it pertains to our relationship with others; friends, neighbors, co-workers and even our enemies.




2. Stephen Ministers – Many of us in this congregation have been given the gifts of compassion and visitation. If you would like to learn more about how to use these gifts within the church, then please accept this invitation. On Thursday, September 22nd from 6:00-7:00pm, Belleview United Methodist Church will be holding a free informational meeting for those interested in training to become Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is designed to help complement and expand pastoral care within the church. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in how to listen and care for other people and are generally assigned to walk alongside someone in their congregation going through a crisis in their lives such as illness, divorce, or death. If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please contact Pastor Daryl.





3. October Newsletter Deadline – If you have an article or information that you would like included in the October edition of the Sunshine Herald, please have it submitted to the office, no later than next Sunday, September 18th.





4. Upcoming Bible Study - Starting Thursday, October 6th we will begin a new Bible study entitled, “Yes Lord I Have Sinned But I Have Several Excellent Excuses” by the Rev. James Moore. Sin is something that affects all of us and this study will help us learn how to take ownership of our sin, be more readily able to recognize temptations in our lives that will lead to sin, as well as help us understand the hope and grace that is ours through Jesus Christ. The class will last for seven weeks and will be offered at two different times: 10:00am and 7:00pm. The cost is free.  If you would like the book, which is not required, it is $12.  To register for this class, you can register on the website by clicking here - Bible Study Registration, fill out the insert in next week's bulletin, or contact the church office.




5. Prayers Please – As hurricane season is approaching its peak, please remember past, present and future victims from these powerful storms. These storms can and do wreak havoc that have long-lasting effects. As you all know, many people still deal with the devastating losses caused by these storms long after the media has moved on to the next event. Please lift these people up in your daily prayers that they would feel the peace, presence and comfort of God as they work to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. 





Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!
 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Midweek Moment

I am proud of us! I am really proud of us! These past several weeks we have spanned the spectrum of emotion. We have celebrated together the wondrous work of the YMCA counselors and the young lives that were changed because of their service, dedication, and love. We have grieved with our family as several of our loved ones lost their battles with illness, and are no longer with us. We have a thanked God for the gift of life and love by baptizing three new children into God's family, our family. We have reveled in extraordinary highs, and felt sorrow in incredible lows. And I am proud us! So proud of us!

In times of celebration we did it well. When we honored the people of the YMCA and celebrated YMCA Sunday, 160 people showed up. We showed up with our gracious words, appreciative spirits, and not to mention plenty of food to feed everyone. We stayed a bit later at lunch and made sure we visited with our new friends and that we thanked them personally for the tremendous work they did here this past summer. We held their babies, hugged their parents, and told them how much we appreciated them, and what God was doing through them. We did it well.

In times of grief and sorrow, we rallied strong. As several of our family members have died, we sent cards. We made phone calls. We have sat by bedsides and just offered our presence. We have cried with them. We have hugged them. We have loved them. We have brought food for receptions. We have prayed for comfort, healing, and love. We showed them they were not alone. We rallied strong.

Folks, being part of a church means several things. It means supporting the church with your time, talents, gifts, service, and your witness. It means taking seriously what you can do to build the Kingdom of God. It means putting to use the gifts and talents God gave you to reach out to the least, the lost, and the last. It means taking on the burdens of the people that this society has marginalized and letting them know they are loved, unconditionally. It also means that we love and care for those already in our midst.

I am so very proud of us. In the last several weeks, as we have faced difficult times, celebratory times, and all sorts of other times. We have done it well and we have rallied strong. I have seen us care for each other. I have seen public and behind-the-scene acts of service. I have seen us do it tirelessly. I have witnessed us do it without reserve. These times have taken significant energy from many people. But we have persevered because our focus is not on self-gratification or personal gain. Rather, we are focused on caring for one another. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, NIV).

You have loved well. You have loved deeply. You have loved graciously. I am proud of us. You should be too!

Have a great week and see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Forgiveness: As Far as the East is from the West – Psalm 32:1-5 & Romans 4:1-8

Introduction
Today we are going to begin a new preaching series focusing on forgiveness. That issue that we all face at some point in our lives. What is it about forgiveness that stirs so many emotions within us? That cause us to spend so much energy in its midst? Over the next several weeks we will take a look at forgiveness as it pertains to our relationship with God, the intimate relationships with others and our need for forgiveness in those relationships, the others; those people around us, neighbors, co-workers, enemies, and conclude with our families and how we receive and how we seek forgiveness from our parents and from our children. Each week as our target shifts, our foundation will always be to look at forgiveness through its two dimensions; our willingness to ask for it and how we receive it; and our willingness to extend forgiveness to others. Today we will begin by focusing on the forgiveness we seek from God and the forgiveness that God offers us.

What is Forgiveness?
I have been praying this week that God will use this sermon to speak to you. And I am counting on the fact that somewhere in this message will be something just for you. If you look in your bulletin there you will find an insert with our Scriptures for today. On the front of that is a place for you to take notes. I encourage you, if something speaks to you today, write it down.

Let us begin by gaining a basic understanding of the truth of forgiveness. First of all, forgiveness is absolutely essential to our lives. You cannot survive in a marriage without extending or asking for forgiveness. You cannot see a working relationship survive without forgiveness. You will not have any longtime friends. Sure will have friends for a bit, but for the rest of your life when things go wrong, if you do not know how to forgive or to ask for forgiveness, those relationships will not last. If you back it up and look at the bigger picture, even societies cannot stand unless the two sides on any given situation agree to forgive those they disagree with.

To talk about forgiveness, there are six words, that if you know these, there is at least a moderate chance that you will have some success in life. If you do not know how to say these words and practice them, you are going to struggle in life.

First three, I am sorry. If you cannot say that then you will find that your life is going to be much more difficult that it was meant to be. The other three, if you cannot say these three words, I forgive you, then you will find your life will be filled with bitterness and hurt and pain. These six words are essential to our lives.

There are all sorts of apologies. There are even websites where you can go and apologize online. Some are silly, like one that says to the person whose parking space I stole, I am sorry, I really needed to get into the store in a hurry. Signed, the owner of the gray Honda. However, some are more serious. Like this one from a mother to her child. It begins, “for all of the things that happened to you as a kid that I never knew about. Maybe you were told not to tell me. But I should have been there for you and should have been able to tell me anything. For the fact that you weren't and I wasn't I am truly sorry. Mom.”

I was reading this week a sermon by 20th century existentialist theologian Paul Tillich, To Whom Much is Forgiven, and there was line in there rich with meaning that I wanted to share with you today as you ponder the importance of forgiveness. He says, “Forgiveness is an answer. Not just an answer. It's the divine answer to the question implied in our existence.” Did you hear that? It is God's answer to the question implied in our existence.

What is the question implied in our existence? I actually suggest there are three questions. If you are the child in that online apology, the question of your existence is:
how do I keep bitterness and anger and hate and the desire for revenge from consuming me? Forgiveness is the answer to that question.

If you are the mother in that apology, who feels great guilt that you did not step in and wished you had, and wished that you had only known, or maybe you did know but you did not do anything. Then perhaps there are two questions that forgiveness is the answer too. First, how can I be reconciled to the one I wronged and make this right? Second, how can my burden of guilt be removed? Forgiveness is God's answer to these questions. We all ask these questions. We all struggle with these questions because we are human. Because we're human we are all going to make mistakes. Because we're human we are all going to hurt other people people. And because other people are human they are going to hurt us. We have to know this answer. If we do not know this answer then we are stumbling in the dark as human beings. To these questions the answer is and always will be forgiveness.

The Need for Forgiveness
In order to make sense of forgiveness we have to diagnose the problem first. And the problem is sin. Sin is one of those topics that the word itself, if you are outside of the church, can make you cringe, just a bit. You have in your mind those preachers that tried to beat people down. You remember those things people told you not to do because they were sins and now you realize that they are not sins, like dancing and listening to certain types of music. And then when you grow up and think about it you realize that God probably was not upset that you listened to the Beatles or danced at your high school prom and had fun. Those types of experiences cause a person to not want to talk about sin. But we have to talk about sin and we have to understand what sin is.

If you look in the Old Testament, there are a number of Hebrew words used that we translate into the English word sin. But the one most commonly used in the Old Testament is very similar the one commonly used in the Greek New Testament. In the Old Testament the word means, to stray from the path. In the New Testament the word means, to miss the mark. In both cases the implication is that there is a way we are to live as human beings. Love, justice, care for people, putting the needs of others before ourselves, telling the truth, and a whole host of other things are part of the path that God has laid out for us. Even you if you are not a believer, if you are an atheist or an agnostic, you still agree with this premise. You know there is a certain way we are meant to live as human beings. But most of us struggle with this. We miss the mark and we stray from the path.

The the problem comes as we continue to stray and what happens is the gulf between where we should be and we are, keeps increasing. This allows for walls to be built between others and ourselves. These acts that create these walls, the walls that separate us from God, ourselves, and those around us, we can all capture by the term sin. We have all sinned, we have all fallen short. In the process of this happening we all say and do things that hurt other people. One reason we struggle in this area is our ego. While a healthy ego is important for good self identification, when it becomes the most important aspect of our existence, then we find ourselves not caring when we say and do things to hurt other people. Then they are going to hurt us, and this cycle is created, causing us to stray farther and farther from each other. And of course forgiveness is the answer to this entire problem, the solution to this entire cycle. It is the answer we seek and when we seek forgiveness, we find ourselves brought back, the gap between where we are and where we should begins to close. The sin gets removed and we are reconciled with the other person. Therefore, forgiveness is about being brought back to the right path and being reconciled to those that we have wronged.

Now this not only affects our relationships with others. It affects our relationship with God. Because when we hurt others, when we wrong others, we are wounding God as well and straying from God's path for us. Now sometimes we feel the hurt we caused, we understand what we did. Then we begin to feel God's absence, we sense that we are drifting farther and farther away from God, that our prayer life has diminished or vanished, and we find ourselves wondering if God is even listening to us at all anymore.

We then begin to notice struggles in our life. That our life is becoming harder and harder and that is because we not walking on the path, we are not living as God intended for us to live.

Our Psalm from this morning is a powerful metaphor about the guilt and shame and sin and how that is a burden to heavy to bear, “For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Sometimes these burdens are small and easily hidden. Sometimes they are so large that if discovered by others could cost us our job, our freedom, our souls. Eventually all of these burdens will become so heavy that we simply cannot carry them anymore. Your joy is gone, your excitement for life is gone, your strength is sapped. “For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” God feels farther away and that gulf between us seems more distant.

There is Hope!
But the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ shows us the hope that can be ours. Look at the adulterous woman, when brought before Christ for punishment of her sins, to be stoned to death. Christ tells the crowd, you who have no sin may throw the first stone. As everyone left Christ said to her, “where are your accusers...neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” How about Zacheaeus, a prolific sinner; called to be Jesus' follower who that day gave up half of his possessions and followed Christ. Every Sunday morning we pray together the Lord's prayer, “forgive our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us. Do not forget the Prodigal Son, that when he came home and asked for forgiveness, his father ran to greet him, wrapped his arms around him and gave forgiveness. By Jesus' own example, during the last meal he shared with his disciples, he took a loaf of bread from the table and a glass of wine, and after giving thanks to the Father, gave it to them and said, “Take and eat. For this is my body and my blood poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus continued on the cross, as he is being tortured, calling out to God, “forgive them for they know not what they do.” And during his resurrection as he told the disciples to go and announce the forgiveness and whoever you forgive I forgive them also. This continues with the Apostle Paul. A great apostle that initially killed Christians but was redeemed and forgiven.

Psalm 103:8-12 lays all of this out for us as this what God does for us. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” This is extravagant grace. We know that with our heads, but getting it to our hearts is the issue. We continue to carry around those thoughts and feelings that he is prepared to remove. That he is willing to carry for us. But we cannot let go.

We need to trust that “the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. And as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

The hardest thing for us to do sometimes is to accept God acceptance of us. When you are ready to go back to God, to return to God, God is already there waiting with open arms to receive you. God has already done everything necessary for you to come back to him and has already accepted you. This is God's grace. Grace that came at a great price. And all you have to do is accept that this is the nature and character of God and that God offers that love to you.

What Do We Do?
Repentance is to see something different and to turn away and back towards the right path. It is to make that confession that you are not where you want to be, that you do not want to feel that gulf between you and God and intentionally begin to take those steps to return to God. We must confess, ask for God's mercy, and realize that we do not want to walk that way anymore. And it is not hard to do this.
  • First, you have to feel burden and gap
  • Then, turn towards god
  • Express your remorse
  • Make amends
  • Ask for forgiveness
  • Then God forgives
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them." (Romans 4:7-8, NIV) Now we will all relapse at some point. But Jesus covers that too when he says we are to forgive others 7 time 70, basically infinite forgiveness.

It also works for that way for God. Jeremiah 31 tells us, "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant which they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each man teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (31-34, NIV) It would be if you asked God what sins you have committed, and God replied, “I just don't remember."

Conclusion
The choice is yours...you can keep trying to carry your sin and burden around. But the Lord would love to take from you today and set you free and forgive ALL of your sins.