Sunday, March 31, 2019

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Well that was a mess. I just reached for something and knocked over a glass of water. It was not full. It really wasn’t full after I knocked it over. It was just a little water. But a little water affected a Bible, a book, a phone, a table, a chair, a picture, a coaster, and the floor.
Water wiped up. Everything works. The book may look a little funny but still usable. It was a little mess that touched more than you would think.
It made me think. We can make a mess with things we say. Words affect people in ways we would not anticipate.
Our denominational struggles over human sexuality is a mess - that affects many people in ways we cannot fully grasp.
Churches become a mess over many things and the Christian witness is stained.
You can think of messes you have created, contributed to or been affected by. Messes.
So we clean up. Cindy helped me clean up. After all it was her stuff that was affected. (She has actually cleaned up lots of messes for me, but that is another story.)
I won’t liken knocking over a glass of water to the sin nature and the sins that affect all of us,...but sin is a mess and creates a mess.
It requires a thorough clean up to put things back in order.
We clean up through repentance and faith.
We clean up by making amends.
We clean up through reconciliation.
But our efforts fall short. It is only through Jesus Christ we know the true and full answer for our mess.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Spring. March. Sports.
It has been a long winter but hopefully the corner is turned and warmer days are ahead.
March is Madness for college basketball fans. The big schools are playing in front of thousands and millions more on tv. They play over three weekends to determine a champion.  Smaller schools are also competing. The NAIA tournament is played annually in Kansas City. Hundreds, or maybe a few thousand enjoy a very festive tournament that lasts a week.
The sports scene also moves to Opening Day of baseball.
It is a great time of year.
But even in great times there are challenges. The flooding in North Missouri is affecting our neighbors. We will be stepping up to help when needs are identified.
There are many challenges in our world. Sometimes they seem unending with no solution in sight.
But then we remember the rythem of things. The cold of winter yields to spring.
The competition develops character and memories for a lifetime. Lessons are learned that lead to succes in life.
Opening a Day offers a new beginning with hopeful surprises awaiting.
And...the difficult challenges of our lives and world move into a future where God is already at work. We move into the warmth of His grace. We move into the surprising turns that make all things new. God is with us. God is present tense. God will lead us into His future. After all, Jesus is the I Am - present tense - resurrection and life. Walk in faith. Be encouraged.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Sunday, March 17, 2019

Reflections From Sunday Evening

March 17 is Saint Patrick’s day. It is a holy, feast day in the Church in Ireland. The story goes that Patrick was kidnapped by pirates from his home in Britain at age 16. He was taken as a slave to Ireland and was held there until he escaped and returned to Britain.  Later he returned as a Christian missionary and brought the Christian faith to replace a Celtic polytheism. He became bishop and eventually known as the patron saint of Ireland.
Later in history William invaded England and defeated King James ( who happened to be his father-in-law) and became King William of Orange. He saw the transition in England fron Catholicism to Protestantism.
Today the Irish flag is green, white, and orange. On St. Patrick’s Day Irish Catholics wear green and Irish Prutestants wear orange.
That is the brief history lesson and why I wear orange on St. Patrick’s Day.
On another note...
It was good to be in church on a weekend when the sun was shining and the sky was clear. Perhaps spring will soon arrive.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Highlights from the weekend.  Saturday 3 young men were recognized as Eagle Scouts. This is a great accomplishment. The church is proud to be the sponsoring unit for Troop 314. We continue to watch young people develop in character and service.
Today 27 students were confirmed in “the faith and fellowship of all true disciples of Jesus Christ”.  It will be a joy to watch these young disciples grow in faith and discover many ways of serving the Kingdom of God. Confirmation is the result of dedicated adult leaders and committed families.
Today Max Bonikowski was presented for baptism. His parents pledged to hold Max in the guidance of the church and set an example that will sustain him as he accepts the gift of salvation for himself.
This afternoon we celebrated the life of Vernon Robinett. His witness and Christ-like character is an inspiration to all of us.
Everyone whose life was touched this weekend was different. There were a variety of gifts and talents. Interests are varied. Goals and dreams are different.
From birth to death we have this in common. The grace of the Lord Jesus sustains all. The Holy Spirit  touches everyone uniquely. It is amazing. We saw it this weekend.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Well, that is only about 9 weekends with bad weather! Still, we had a hearty group out this morning, twice our usual Saturday night crowd and more live stream viewers than ever. So, the Gospel was shared and we worshipped. Signs of the times.
On another note...it has been a challenging week for our United Methodist family. I will give an update tomorrow (Monday) evening at 7:00. It is meant to attempt to walk through the General Conference experience and help see where we are.
On another note...I tend to frustrate people who want me to “take a stand” whether it is in the current debate or a host of other issues. For good or bad I am pastor to many different people with different needs, views, and hopes.
I do not try to “make a point” when we are talking about issues that touch on many people’s relationship with Jesus Christ. My point is the Cross. The Cross points up to God. The Cross points from heaven to earth. The Cross points to the corners of the earth. My point has been made. Now I seek to follow that point in love and holiness; with grace upon grace and the Spirit without limit; with the Fruit of the Spirit and spiritual gifts; in character and conduct. 
My point is to follow Jesus. 
On another note...Yesterday I caught a little bit of the Royals spring training game on the radio. Royals announcer Ryan Lefebvre pointed out that in Arizona it was 75 degrees. Recognizing the anticipated snow, wind, and cold coming to K. C.,  he went on to say, but with the windchill it is more like 74. 
Good days are coming.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve