NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Today I received a devotional for 2010 that consists of two commitments. These words challenge my heart! Dare I and you pray these prayers? Read the article by Dr. Al VomSteeg below.

When a new year begins it is common for a person to make “New Year’s Resolutions”. They could include spiritual goals: read the Bible more, pray more. They could be personal health decisions: eat healthier, lose weight, and exercise more. They could relate to home issues: spend more time with family, watch less television and do things together. I think this is a way that we are attempting to evaluate our lives and see where we can make better choices that relate to our whole lives.

When I served as the pastor in the local church, as a part of our the final worship service of year, before serving Holy Communion, I would lead the congregation in the Covenant Prayer that was prayed by John Wesley in England in 1780.

“Let me be your servant, under your command. I will no longer be my own. I will give up myself to your will in all things, Lord. Make me what you will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you. Let me be full. Let me be empty. Let me have all things. Let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal."

I prayed this prayer and made it my renewed commitment on the final night of 2009.

But now I have added a second prayer of commitment. It is one that we often read during our ILI conferences so it may be familiar to you. It is the final testimony of an African Christian in Zimbabwe just before he was martyred for his faith. For me it adds to what the Covenant Prayer says but also states more specifically my desire to become more intimate and committed so God can use my life. Read these piercing words and see how they might impact you.

“The Fellowship of the Unashamed”

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or back away.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, live by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go ‘till He comes, give ‘till I drop, preach ‘till all know, and work ‘till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

As we enter this New Year, there is no question in my mind that the way we are going to help make the Kingdom of God more real on earth is by living out these two prayers of commitment. They may say it differently but they seem to echo the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: If anyone will come after Me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.

COMMUNION

Sunday morning at our church building is a busy time. There are three worship services at 3 different times in 3 different locations with 3 different styles. There is also an hour when Bible study groups meet for all ages. (click photos to see larger images)

Yesterday (Sunday) Cissy and I had a great gathering with our Pathfinders Class at 9:45. Normally we attend the 11 a.m. worship service together. However, once a quarter, I go to the prayer chapel and pray for the worship service that is occurring at the same time. Other Sundays Cissy has various roles also, such as being a greeter, or being available as a Stephen Minister to pray with people who desire it after worship.


The prayer chapel is a spacious room with a sofa and 5 comfortable chairs. The focal point of the room is an altar with a large cushion placed before it for kneeling. Above the altar is a beautiful stained glass window of the Last Supper when Christ gathered with his disciples on the eve of his arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

Each time when I serve in the Prayer Chapel I use the hour to pray for the people in the service. It so happened that on this Sunday the congregation celebrated the Lord’s Supper (or Communion, as it is generally called in our church).

I spent the better part of the hour gazing at the disciples in the stained glass window. As I studied their faces I thought their expressions represented the various needs and requests of the actual people who were in worship. So I sought to pray for various groups of needs and desires. I began with the disciple in the center foreground and moved clockwise around the table.

#1 Eager to follow the Master and awaiting instructions.

#2 Seasoned pilgrim who humbly intercedes for others with quiet trust.

#3 Strong confidence and firm stature ready to lead others into action. (Peter?)

#4 Doubts and fears.

#5 Searcher who has found hope and hungry to know more.

#6 Simply wonders what is happening and how it will affect him.

#7 Wants Jesus to stay close; questions what life would be like without Christ.

#8 Close to Jesus in heart and mind. (John)

#9 Doesn't understand what's happening but calmly accepts whatever will be.

#10 Solemn determination to follow and do whatever Jesus commands.

#11 “Good Grief!” what have I done to get involved with these people?

#12 Are my schemes to get money and things worth the price to pay? (Judas)

To see the beautiful stained glass windows in our church building click on the website address http://www.cantonfirstumc.org/

GIFTS OF GRACE

A few weeks ago my son Bill had a horrible car accident on his way to a job. Simply put, he hit a big truck parked on the side of freeway while he was going about 60 m.p.h. The airbag deployed, probably preventing more serious injuries, but Bill was trapped in the vehicle.

After rescuers freed him, an ambulance transported him to Atlanta Medical Center. Although both bones in his left forearm were badly broken, he suffered no further injuries. During surgery the surgeons put two titanium plates in his arm secured with 17 screws.

Earlier this year Bill struck out on his own to form his own business, Bellington Designs (www.BellingtonDesigns.com). He has been working really hard, but operating on a shoestring. Just a couple of weeks prior to the accident he got married, and with his bride, bought a house.

Now not only was his old exhausted car totaled, but through a snafu he had no personal medical coverage for these new bills from the ambulance, hospital, and doctors. Plus, with his damaged arm he would not be able to work for some weeks to have income.

He felt BIG TIME stress settling down with pain while still rolling out of the recovery room! Fortunately, his wife and our family were there to give him whatever support and solace possible.

I sympathized with his trauma yet realized I could not feel his torment and worry. Nevertheless, I believed from the early moments after hearing of the accident that God was going to use it for His good, and even Bill’s good. Of course, all of the outcome is yet to be seen, and we mortals may never understand the results.

Earlier this year Bill had been looking at replacement vehicle possibilities, but the funds were not available. He composed a list of things he wanted that would allow him to do his work in the best style possible. A Ford Ranger or F-150 truck with tool boxes in the bed, an overhead ladder rack, an extended cab, and even a cap for the bed would "fill the bill" for him.

Today I got some good news. Through the generosity and love of others, Bill has been able to replace his old, small, snarky, smashed vehicle with a handsome pickup truck. The truck he got this week has all those things he wanted except the cap to top the truck bed.

He thinks he will be fine without that final touch, and perhaps even be more versatile without it. Using the internet he searched the metro Atlanta area for a truck. Interestingly, he found the truck less than 3 miles from his home.

When I saw the photo of the truck and how it met Bill’s desires, my mind immediately replayed a scene from over 25 years ago. Our family had moved to Brazil, and we were finishing a year of study in the Portuguese language. We were preparing to move to another city in a few months and find a new house.

We asked the children to help us prepare a prayer list of things about the new house they wanted to ask God to provide. We had been living in a home with no yard. The ground outside was tiled so there was neither grass nor trees.

Below is the copy of 7 year old Bill’s prayer list. The requests are dated September 28, 1982. Each check mark signifies the prayer was answered..

You cannot imagine the joy of the boys when they climbed the tree for the first time. Yes, there was only one tree, but a big one, and they only asked for one!

When my sons were little (Bill is 6'6" now), I taught them “you have not because you ask not.” Further, if you want something specific, ask for it. My basis was the words of Jesus when he said, "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:24)

On Monday Bill starts back to work with a new set of wheels. When Bill told me about his truck, the great joy in his voice was obvious. With abundant grace God still gives great gifts. I think not only do we receive joy, but heaven rejoices as well!

P.U.S.H.

I appreciate the encouragement someone gave me to P.U.S.H.

He exhorted ...

When everything seems to go wrong,
     just P.U.S.H.!
When the job gets you down,
     just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should,
     just P.U.S.H.!
When your money looks funny and the bills are due,
     just P.U.S.H.!
When you want to curse them out for whatever the reason,
     just P.U.S.H.!
When you ask the question, when is my ship coming in?
(as I often do),
     just P.U.S.H.!
When people just don't understand you,
     just P.U.S.H.!

Not to continue on and on…
let me tell you what P.U.S.H. stands for.

One of my favorite soul music groups of the 1960’s was The Impressions. Lead singer and lyricist Curtis Mayfield produced some great music. Listen to “Keep on Pushing” with the words above in mind.

EBENEZER

Three years ago today my wife Cissy and I were packing to prepare for a trip the following day to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. We had already made about a half dozen trips there to consult about a tumor in her head.

The most recent MRI showed that the tumor was growing and needed to be removed. The delicate operation would be performed in a critical area almost in the center of her head.

We flew to Houston, checked into the adjoining hotel, and the following day Cissy had all the preliminary tests done. Cissy’s daughter Betsy and son Walker also arrived, as well as our dear friend and pastor, Dr. Jimmy Allen.

The next morning at 5 a.m. we all met in our hotel room for a prayer time. We proceeded to the surgery reception area. It was uncanny (supernatural might be a better word) how peaceful Cissy was with all that about to happen. Her biggest concern and sorrow was that half of her head was going to be shaved, and her long red-hair bangs over her forehead would be gone.

Suzi Land, my son’s mother-in-law who lives in Texas with her husband Dudley, joined us in the waiting room with some delicious home-made pound cake. After some hours the neurosurgeon met with us and explained the results. He accomplished his objective of removing as much of the tumor as possible.

Several hours later we were able to see Cissy in her ICU room. The next several days were rough for her, but after a couple of days she was transferred to a regular hospital room. Betsy and Walker returned home to Georgia. However, the intense pain for Cissy continued unabated. The surgeon decided that another surgery was necessary the next day to alleviate the pressure in Cissy’s head.

I felt pretty drained emotionally and physically at that time. In Cissy’s words I had a “meltdown.” I phoned several people, asking them to share the news with others and pray for us. Walker and Betsy got a flight back out to Houston to be with their mother.

As I was walking out of the pre-op area for the second time in less than a week, I looked down the hall and realized my son Seth was walking towards me. Unbeknownst to me, he too had flown out to be his dad. He realized that I needed all the support I could get. We had another precious prayer time like others in the past that I have cherished.

The second surgery was successful and within a couple of days Cissy felt much better. Two weeks after the initial surgery we were able to return home. When the lab results came back it was determined that she had a very rare type of malignant tumor.

A trip back to Houston a few months later for a radiation treatment seems to have finished off the tumor. After subsequent trips with good news each trip, we are on an annual appointment basis now.

An experience like ours is an “Ebenezer” marker moment. Do you know the meaning of the phrase? It is included in the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing." In stanza two are the words, "Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come."

The term Ebenezer literally means “stone of help.” It is based on an incident recorded in 1 Samuel, chapter seven:

“The men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as below Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’"

Cissy and I give thanks for God’s gracious help through medical personnel and friends. Life seems much more precious to us as a result of this experience. It will always be a great Ebenezer marker in our lives.

Basketball is one of the loves of my life. This Sunday the Final Four will be complete for the 2008 NCAA basketball championship. Truly one of the greatest NCAA runs was made by the “cardiac kids” of NC State to the national championship title in 1983. I remember being hunched over a shortwave radio in Brazil to listen to the game.

Their coach Jim Valvano was a bundle of energy and passion. Below is a speech he made at the 1993 ESPY awards seven weeks before he died from cancer. His words are encouraging about what is really precious and important and meaningful in life.

GOTTA MINUTE?

I am not much of a conversationalist. I am encouraged, though, that a conversation involves talking and listening. I guess I am not a great talker, but I am a pretty good listener.

Yet I do find it easy and enjoyable to have a conversation with God. There are times when I have long conversations with God. Usually that is when I spend time reading a long portion of Scripture, and then spend time in prayer. For me prayer is like conversation, there is talking and listening.

Sometimes my conversation God is short and to the point. I have enjoyed working out in the woods the last few sunny days. At the end of the day I like to stand by the creek and watch the sunset. Some of my comments to God are simple, like “Hallelujah” or “I love you, God.”

The Bible is filled with many “minute prayers.”

“Lord, teach me to pray.”

“Speak, Lord, for your servant listens.”

“Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your laws.”

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

“O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show forth your praise.”

“Cleanse me from secret faults.”

“Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.”

“Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

I have to remember that prayer is more than talking. It is also listening. The Psalmist reminds me, “Be still and know that I am God.”

After I talk with God, I try to wait quietly and patiently for a response. I read in Isaiah, “In returning and trust you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

I have found in the presence of God there is calmness, stability, firmness, decisiveness and confidence.

Gotta minute? Talk to God!

But be prepared to listen to what God has to say in reply. You might end up having a long conversation.

WEDDING SERVICE

Tonight I will assist in a wedding service by giving the Charge and the Wedding Prayer.

HERE IS THE CHARGE ...

Trey and Laura, I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, that, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other.

We have heard beautiful music describing the perfect love of God. Remember that love and loyalty alone will avail as the foundation of a happy home.

The Bible gives us many descriptions of what true love is like. In the Old Testament we read these words from Ecclesiastes:

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

Trey and Laura, one is a whole number. Both of you know what it is like to live as a single person and be completely alone at times. Yet you realized that you have enough resources of personality to be complete … and alone.

In providence you have been brought together – two people to become one team.

The verses in Ecclesiastes that I just read show the benefits:

… working together productively,

… sleeping together peacefully,

… and meeting challenges powerfully.

Note the progression of the numbers:

one person … two people … three strands of cord.

I suggest to you that the three strands represents the lives of two people woven together with the presence, power, and peace of God. He is the all-important third Person in your relationship.

Be well assured that if the solemn vows you are about to make are kept faithfully, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and the home you are establishing will abide in peace.

No other ties are more tender, no other vows more sacred than those you now assume.

HERE IS THE WEDDING PRAYER ...

Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in making us a covenant people through our Savior Jesus Christ and for consecrating in His name the marriage covenant of Trey and Laura.

Grant that their love for each other, as the perfect bond of unity, grow from strength to strength as they faithfully serve you in the world. Let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, to which indeed they are called in one body. And whatever they do in word or deed, may they do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

As those who have been chosen of God to be his holy and beloved children, may Trey and Laura put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, remembering whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Give them strong, healthy bodies, with clear minds and compassionate hearts. May the light of friendship guide their paths together. May the laughter of children grace the halls of their home. May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from their lips, a twinkle from their eyes.

Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their heads.

Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their lives and in their deaths.

When eternity beckons, by your grace bring them and all of us to that table where your saints feast forever in your heavenly home;

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Flash Slideshow